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Kansas City Rose Society
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    • About Us >
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Great roses begin with good soil!
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Does your soil have adequate nutrient levels and the proper pH?  Find out by taking a soil sample.  You can test the soil in a new bed before planting, or from an existing rose bed. 

All fertilization programs start with a soil test for pH and base fertility.  The pH of the soil needs to be between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal availability of nutrients from the soil.  Soils in the Kansas City area generally have a pH above 7.0.  The pH can be lowered with the addition of soil sulfur, or raised with an application of lime. Our region’s soils generally contain adequate amounts of phosphorus and potassium.  Nitrogen is usually needed because rain and irrigation leaches it out of the soil. The soil test results will guide you in adjusting the pH and supplementing your soil with the correct nutrients.  ► Also See Rose Fertilization Tips

You need 2 cups of soil from the planting area(s) to be tested. Remove the mulch and use a trowel to scoop out soil starting at the surface and digging about 6 inches down.  Dig several holes from various places in the bed, put all this soil together in a clean bucket, stir it up, then collect two cups of this mixture to be your sample.
 
Put the soil in a zip-top baggie or clean plastic container and take it to your local Extension office.  You will be asked fill out a form with information on your garden and the type of plants you are growing.  It may be free, or there may be a small fee depending on the number of nutrients you would like to test.
 
In a couple of weeks, you'll receive the results of the soil analysis and recommendations for improving your soil.
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Extension offices in the Kansas City Metro area where you can take your soil for testing:
  • Johnson County, KS, K-State Research and Extension​
  • Jackson County, MO, Office Univ. of Missouri Extension​
​If you are not in the Kansas City area, contact your local Extension office for instructions specific to your region, and/or seek advice from a nearby local:
  • American Rose Society Group.
► Become a Member
► View 2018 Garden Guide

► View 2018 Rose Show Results
► 2018 Winter Newsletter
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Do You Have A Question About Roses?
  • Ask A Rosarian! ​A New Opportunity!
  • View Our FAQ Section
Click Here to make an online donation to the Kansas City Rose Society.
The Kansas City Rose Society is a not-for-profit organization.
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Site Updated 01-04-19

Our Vision -- A World Class public rose garden where the community can enjoy and learn about roses.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us >
      • KCRS Board Members
    • Award of Garden Excellence
    • Locate Us
    • Our History
    • The Garden Story
    • News & Newsletters
    • 2018 Photo Gallery >
      • 2017 Photo Archive
      • 2016 Photo Archive
      • 2015 Photo Archive
      • 2014 Photo Archive
      • 2013 Photo Archive
      • 2012 Photo Archive
  • Event Calendar
    • View Calendar
    • 2019 Spring Demo
  • Our Programs
    • Our Programs
    • Adult Programs >
      • Rose Garden Readings
    • Children Programs >
      • Garden Field Trips
      • 2019 Poetry Contest >
        • 2017 Poetry Winners
        • 2016 Poetry Winners
        • 2015 Poetry Winners
      • 2019 Children's Art
  • Growing Roses
    • Growing Roses
    • Ask A Rosarian! - FAQ
    • Rose Resources
    • Getting Started
    • Rose Care Calendar
    • Winter Rose Care
    • Rose Classifications
    • Rose Diseases
    • Rose Insect Pests
    • Rose Soil Testing Tips
    • Fertilizing Roses
  • Join Us
    • Join Us
    • Membership >
      • Online Application
    • Volunteer
    • Our Supporters
  • Donations
    • Donations
    • Memory & Friendship Roses >
      • Purchase Online
  • Weddings