£1 superfood ‘slows weeds’ while encouraging roses to flower ‘vigorously’

For many gardeners, autumn presents a good window of opportunity to fertilize rose beds before the first frosts of the year take hold.

Fertilizing should take place roughly six to eight weeks before the average first frost date is due, to prevent damage to any new growth.

Not only does the practice of fertilising protect the shrubs against the harsh conditions of winter, but if done correctly, it can also stop the surrounding weeds.

One of the most revered alternative feeds is commonly used in agricultural practices and horticultural environments; it is none other than alfalfa.

“A mulch for garden roses, it does far more than slow weeds,” explain experts at Wegman’s Nursery. “As it disintegrates, alfalfa yields an alcohol, triacontanol, to which roses take a particular shine.”

It’s important to consider that alfalfa hay can become mat after watering, which prevents any additional water from seeping into the ground. 

Alfalfa is an incredible source of nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, which work in conjunction to emanate an abundance of blooms. 

Home design explained that these nutrients make alfalfa “one of the best overall organic amendments” for your rose shrubs.

According to the experts, not only does the substance “result in more vigorous growth,” but it also “increases bloom production”.

For optimal fertilizing, it is best to water the rose shrubs right before feeding them as this will deliver the nutrients to the roots more efficiently.

How to feed roses Alfafa?

Alternative feeds like alfalfa come in various forms and all are beneficial to the health of your roses. 

One method is to soak some alfalfa pellets in a bucket of water for a couple of hours so that they become soft and pour the liquid onto the rose beds.

Alternatively, alfalfa can come as a meal, which can be sprinkled in generous amounts around the rose bushes after they’ve been watered.