Are you planning to plant a garden of roses and potatoes and have never been asked “Can you grow roses in potatoes?” Then you must be missing out on one of the simplest methods of increasing your rose garden’s productivity. Rose growing and potatoes go well together, believe it or not!

The key to growing roses successfully in a garden that also includes potatoes is to first get started with a good quality rose bush. Many gardeners will start with a purchased rose bush and try to figure out how to fit it into a pot, only to find that the plant is so heavy that it will not bud properly or even grow at all! A good rule of thumb when it comes to planting roses is to make sure that the pots are either larger than the plant itself or smaller. Some great choices for growing roses and potatoes in a glass jar include Little Lily’s Lilies (Lily-of-the-Valley), Gardenia, Shasta Daisy’s and Goldenrod. The Rose Planting Guide by Dr. Earl Nightingale provides an excellent description of each variety and how they should be planted.

When you decide that you have the time and financial resources to plant roses and potatoes together, you must then choose a site that is suitable both for growing and harvesting your crop. Before you plant anything, make sure that there is plenty of drainage. Also, if you are growing any roses, remember that they will each demand their own particular nutrients and water sources. So, be sure to prepare ahead of time!

When it comes to growing potatoes, the general rule of thumb is that the deeper the root system, the better. That means that planting a deep-rooted plant such as a blanket potato (Urvidium groundolor) or a dwarf variety like Belgian endive or Canada Lily, with their long roots, would be ideal. Be careful, however, not to plant anything that is too large, as roots can spread to the width of your window or door. When choosing the plants to plant, keep in mind that they will each require a certain amount of sun, watering and fertilizer. A good gardening tip is to plant your bulbs and stems just above the frost-line, as this will help prevent burning during winter.

To begin planting your roses and potatoes, dig a hole two feet wide and six to eight inches deep, depending on the species. Then, fill the hole with dirt and spread a foot of fine sand around the perimeter. The purpose of this sand is to provide protection from any adverse cold weather conditions. Next, select the plants and carefully remove the roots. If you have selected thick stems, gently tap them into the soil and make sure they are firmly planted.

Once the plant roots are established, you can begin planting. Begin by placing the cut flower into the front position, making sure it is directly over the sand, if using. If not, plant it on a cut piece of wood that will sit on top of the sand. Make sure to place the cutting in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day, but try to place it in an area that does not get heavy foot traffic. A sunny window will help germinate your flower.

After the root system has been established, water the soil generously, removing any grass or weeds. You can then use a hand pump to aerate the soil, increasing moisture levels. The soil should be moist but not damp. If the roots rot, it is important to place the pot in an area that receives indirect sunlight, as well as make sure the pot is always filled with water.

When you are sure the rose plant is well anchored and established, remove the plant from the pot and place it on a sharp sand piece, where it should be topped up with additional dirt. Water the plant until it starts to settle and then begin to prune. The stems will start to wilt and begin to develop new growth, while the main stem continues to grow upwards. Prune the rose back towards the setting sun, allowing the main stem to reach the top of the pot.