The Rose in Winter

New York Times Gardening Corner

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November 10, 2005

Garden Q & A

The Rose in Winter

By LESLIE LAND

Q. This is my first year of success with roses, and they are still blooming. I know I'm supposed to cut them back, but when and how far?

A. How far to cut back depends on the rose. Hybrid teas, for instance, are often reduced to a few thick stems only a few inches long. Climbers are usually thinned and trimmed but otherwise left alone. And there are many other rose classes, each with its own best strategy.

The nursery that sold you the roses should be able to classify them, or you can look them up by name at www.rogersroses.com, which describes more than 5,000 varieties.

Fortunately, there is plenty of time for research, because pruning should be done in spring. Right now, all roses are best left intact.

Cutting can spur new growth that will be killed by cold. Allowing the hips to ripen helps the plant toughen up.

And stems often die back during the winter even when protected, so it is unwise to make them shorter before winter starts.

Look, Ma Nature: No Hands

Q. I have not had much luck with houseplants, so I'm intrigued by a hydroponic system called Streamgarden, which is billed as the key to easy indoor gardening. Does it really work?

A. All hydroponic systems deliver steady supplies of water and nutrients. So if you travel frequently or have trouble remembering how much to water and feed, hydroponics can help.

On the downside, these systems need pumps. The pumps are not especially loud, but if you are hoping the plants will add a note of serenity, one more humming machine may not be the best idea.

And the greatest challenge for indoor growers is usually a lack of light, followed by plant-unfriendly temperatures and humidity levels. Automatic delivery of food and water will not address these issues.

Of course lights, heaters and humidifiers can be automated too, which may be one reason so many hydroponic systems are available: go for the whole deal, and presto! A secret garden, right there in the hall closet.

Worm's Way, (800) 274-9676 or www.wormsway.com, offers a wide selection of hydroponic systems. The Streamgarden is sold by Design Within Reach, (800) 944-2233 or dwr.com.


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