Recently, I read information on your website reading "Mancozeb (simply the best against Black Spot once it has got going). " I ordered Mancozeb but there are no instructions on how to mix Mancozeb for Black Spot on Roses. What is your recommended mixture (i. e. ounces per gallon, etc. )?
I use 1 1/2 tablespoons per gallon when I spray my roses. You can use 2 tablespoons per gallon for a stronger mix if the black spot is real bad. It will leave a yellowish powdery residue on the foliage but that is part of how it work. Apply it again in 7 to 10 day intervals for at least three sprayings. Remember, once the black spot has left its mark on the foliage it is there to stay. However the mancozeb will kill the fungus and all new foliage that comes forth should be free of the black spot. If it is not, then repeat the applications of mancozeb at 7 day intervals at the 2 tablespoons to a gallon of water rate for 4 sprayings. Then follow up with two sprayings of either Immunox, Banner Maxx or Honor Guard.
My rose garden soil test showed low iron. What product do you recommend I but to increase the iron?
When low iron is a problem I recommend adding an iron fertilizer to the soils. The liquid spray Chelated iron fertilizers are good for a quick pick me up but longer lasting effects are gained from the granular iron fertilizers. Here is a link to some I have used and found to work well: http://www.biconet.com/soil/drIron.html
There is also a product by Lilly Miller called Iron Safe that works well.
My Rose bushes' leaves have dark spots on them. Some of the limbs are dying also.
You could use a prevantative black-spot spray made up of: 1 tsp. of baking soda , 4 cups of water and a few drops of dish soap as a sticking agent, use the spray every 7 to 10 days on rose foliage, starting in mid summer, good luck
Please tell me how to keep Japanese beetles off my rose bushes, and aphids off my lilies.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/japanese-beetles.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
What do I do when I find holes in the leaves of my red roses?
If the holes are actually half moon shaped cut outs in the leaves, it is likely just Cutter Bees taking some foliage to make their nests. I just leave them alone as they usually stop after a while when they are done with their cycle. If the holes are more out in the center of the leaves, then it could be a rose slug or perhaps another insect. If the roses leaves have alot of holes in them it is probably best to spray the rosebush with an insecticide. Starting with something made by Safer or one of the more earth friendly types. If that does not gain control, the using somthing like Ortho Bug B Gon Max or Sevin may well be in order.
My rose plant leaves have turned yellow. What is causing this, and how can I stop it?
If it is the lower leaves turning yellow, it is a natural thing. The new upper foliage sometimes shades or shadows the lower leaves. Since the bush does not need them anymore they turn yellow and fall off. If it is all over the rosebush, it could be too much water which makes the soils muddy and allows little oxygen flow. Sort of drowns the rosebush. If it is the over water problem, just hold off on any further watering until things dry out a bit. Then give the rosebush some cheleated iron fertilizer and water lightly. If the rosebush is in a container, make sure the saucer at the bottom of the container does not hold water in it longer than about 1/2 hour after watering. This too can cause root zone problems leading to yellowing foliage and death of the rosebush.