Rose gardening requires regular maintenance. Often a rose gardening budget can be larger than one would like. However, there are several budget conscientious choices you can make to save time and money on your rose garden.

Try drip irrigation. Water bills can be enormous especially as the weather heats up, like it already has in many areas this summer. Drip irrigation is easy to install and easy to maintain. Systems can be purchased at most big home supply stores. Stores will frequently have a display set up with the various different types of bubblers, drippers and sprayers. How to booklets are usually free and placed in a visible location by the drip irrigation display. Following the simple step by step instructions in the instruction booklet make installation a breeze.

Invest in one of the battery operated timers that can be used with your drip irrigation system and you’ll reap the benefits of happy roses, a lower water bill and the convenience of an automatic watering system. Roses will develop less disease issues if their leaves are kept dry. Drip irrigation provides an easy way to thoroughly water your roses, while keeping the actual plant dry. It may take a bit more time to set up than a basic hose sprinkler, but once set up drip irrigation systems last for years and require very little in the way of regular maintenance.

Mulch saves time and money with rose gardening. Depending on the size of your yard however, the cost of purchasing mulch from a garden center can be inhibitive. Before you head out to purchase your mulch this year, consider if there are any local businesses that might offer free mulch as a buy product of their industry. Some great examples are pecan shells from a pecan factory, shredded wood from a ball bat factory, or bark mulch chips from a lumber yard. Some rose gardeners are even lucky enough to have sources of free compost in their local area. Both mushroom compost and composted manure can occasionally be found for free, but it’s not common.

Most free mulches require you to pick them up yourself. You can either use a pick up truck or trailer if you have one or you can easily rent a trailer from a do it yourself moving company or equipment rental business. It is a bit inconvenient to pick up your own mulch, but the monetary savings will more than repay you for your time and effort. You also have the benefit of knowing you’re helping the environment by using a locally created byproduct to mulch your rose garden.

If your roses are frequently attacked by black spot, powdery mildew, or insect infestations why not try a home prepared mixture to treat these issues rather than spending lots of money on traditional fungicides and pesticides. Many individuals and studies have produced equally effective disease and pesticide results from mixing 1-2% baking soda with a small amount of insecticidal soap. Not only is this better for you and the environment, but it will also cost less in the long run. Remember to only spray when it’s cool outside and your roses aren’t exposed to full sun. Also follow all the instructions and recommendations on the insecticidal soap container.

There are many simple ways you can reduce your rose gardening costs. Once implemented these tips will not only save you money but time as well. Why not give one or more of these cost effective ideas a try today?