Hi,
I live in SE Virginia, and am having a horrible time with my raised rose bed. I remove all old mulch, put Epsom Salts around each/water in early April after the March pruning. I do not feed until nights are in the 60's. I water from the ground -only- and I pick off all leaves with signs of Black Spot. I began spraying with organic spray of 2 tsps. soda, 2 tsps horticulteral soap, to 1 gallon of water. I spray in the early day. I always cut my spent roses down to the second 5 Set of Leaves.....SO, why do you think I am getting this horrible Black Spot. It makes me sick, as I fear it will eventually destroy my leaves as it usually does each year. Help!!! What do the rest of you do for Black Spot and how often do you feed and what types do you use of Rose Food. I am anxious to hear from you,
Happy Gardening,
~Gail

Hi Gail
You express the frustration of all of us who avoid the 'other stuff'. You have taken all the recommended steps they tell us and still have the yuck. It is maddening. Sometimes I just think that in extreme spells of warm wet weather we can not win the battle, but must continue efforts while waiting the demon out. You are nuturing better than I have this year and mine are looking lousy, plus they are always too crowded in my sardine beds! Hope yours have more air than mine!
My best offer is to suggest you dust on wettable powdered sulfur on the leaves while they are still wet after your regular spray. Or try changing to a sulfur spray for a sneak attack! You did not mention if you grow old or hybrids so I will add this piece of usual advice. Black spot can often kill hybrids and although the old varieties are also susceptible to the disease, they are usually strong enough to wade it out and recoup easier.
As for feeding, I prefer to use manure tea and compost plus a grain based product called RoseGlo sold at Marshall Grain on my links page under sources. They said on phone they will deliver within US where ever possible. Also spray good liquid plant food every week or two, esp. while they are stressed with blights. I use the Garrett Juice also sold at Marshall. Hope any of this helps and we would love to hear other's tips on dealing with (living with!) black spot.