Any natural remedies to combat "black spot" in roses?

[theHandpuppet]

Helppppppp!!!

Are there any natural remedies to combat "black spot" in roses? This stuff detroys my rosebushes every year but I don't want to cover them with nasty chemicals and poisons. I don't even like roses but I'm tired of having bushes of nothing but just sticks come June.

Suggestions would be most appreciated.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Not a treatment, but a prevention strategy

always water roses at the ground and don't splash water up on the leaves. Clean any fallen leaves away quickly and remove leaves from the canes as soon as there is any sign of black spot. It may not help much this year but if you are religious about these steps then maybe you won't have the problem next year. Black spot winters over and that's why the best strategy is to attack it at the first signs.

I don't know about natural remedies.

Good luck.

[theHandpuppet]

2. Thanks for the advice

So it looks as if I'll have to wait until next year to fight this -- I'm already seeing black spot on the leaves and the roses haven't even bloomed yet. (sigh)

[InkAddict]

3. Rosarians suggests the following

http://www.ehow.com/how_9358_control-black-spot.html

See #1 - #6

Step SevenSpray a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda mixed in 1 qt. warm water in the early morning hours.

More tips here!

[roguevalley]

4. make sure the soda solution doesn't touch the ground. It can change

the ph of the soil.

[NJCher]

5. Serenade

Best stuff around. Every organic gardener should have some. Read up on it and how it works here:

http://www.vintagerosery.com/organicgardening.htm




Cher