"ed" wrote in message . com...
I got some rose fertilizer(1/2 price sale-hard to resist) that also has a
bug killer that sucks up into the plant.

Hi Ed! What you bought is a combination fertilzer and systemic insecticide
in granular form. This stuff has been widely demonized because:

1. the granules make it easy for birds and other unintended creatures to ingest stuff that
kills them.

2. roses tend to need a lot more food than they need insecticide, so this
combination doesn't make sense.

On the other hand, systemic insecticide in and of itself is very useful,
because it only kills things that EAT the plants and blooms, and said
things do not have to be present at the time of the application in order
to croak. I use systemic LIQUID insecticide in another sort of combination
form: insecticide and fungicide. This works for me because I live in NC,
where fungus forms the basis of most object. Another nice thing about the
liquid systemic insecticide is that it is not harmful to living things
after it has dried--unless the living things eat the roses. The combo
insecti-fungi-cide I use is called Orthenex. You will hear some ancient
rosers swear that bi-monthly applications of this will cause a mite
infestation. (Mites are only killed by miticides.)

1. In my experience this is not true.
2. I wash down my roses regularly, and mites love dry
conditions, so this may be why.
3. However, just in case you are worried, it is my understanding
that Ortho has recently added a miticide to the mix. Somebody
will correct me if I am wrong. Believe me.


I've been looking at leaning more
to feeding the soil as this seems to be a more balanced way.

I think what you mean here is that you think organic, whole fertilizers
are the way to go, and boy are you right!! The best fertilizer for
your soil is compost, if you have a composter, or aged manure,
rotted bark, the sort of things you can find bagged up as "soil
conditioner." If you mulch well you already have this going. Which brings
me to this: a LOT of what you need to know is based upon where you are,
and the needs your roses have due to your particular climate and
soil composition. So let us know!


If I put some
of this granular fertilizer on the roses in early spring to help them get
going and also provide insect resistance as the leaves are just coming out,
will this mess up the chemical balance that seems so important? I've looked
for an answer and can't seem to find one.


I'm not sure it will mess anything up except your local fauna, especially
if you are already mulching/applying organic stuff like manure or compost.
However, I do think it is best to apply fertilizer and insecticide
separately, where ever you are. (Also, said "fauna" might be your cats
or dogs or your neighbors', and other creatures you do not wish to "off.")