I am not surprised that the USDA is redoing the hardiness zone map. I live
in a northern Suburb of NYC. Our December/January weather was like our
early fall weather. We only had about 5 really cold days. I suspect that
the warmer zones are going to be moving northwards.

AL

"Gail Futoran" wrote in message
...
"22brix" wrote in message
...
Wow, you're way ahead of us! Our roses are just starting to send out
their first little shoots--no leaves yet! We had snow earlier this week
(I live in "sunny" California!) Do you use time release fertilizer at
all? I've been away from growing roses for a while and used to use it in
conjunction with Miracle Grow, and occasionally alfalfa tea. I've
planted about 20 new roses this year and am starting to think about
things like fertilizing!

Bonnie
Northern California
Zone 9

I use time release fertilizer in potted plants
but not in my beds. I suppose I could. I've
seen that recommended in rose books.

It sounds like your feeding plan is a lot
like mine. I figure the strong roses will do
ok with just about any food, and the weak
roses will die no matter what I do.

You must be in a cooler micro-climate. I'm
surprised your roses aren't as far along as
mine, since you're in a warmer zone. But
this has been a really weird winter for most
of the USA. I've heard the USDA is going
to redo the hardiness zone map again.
Could be interesting to see where we all
end up!

Gail
near San Antonio TX Zone 8