Reviving roses: Uncover the secret of using vodka in your garden

Roses are often the most magnificent flowers in our gardens. Inspiration for artists and a symbol of passionate feelings, they are often the most magnificent flowers in our gardens. Caring for them requires significant knowledge, mainly because of pests and fungal diseases. However, you can find a way to deal with these problems by creating a homemade solution for spraying.

They are enchanted with their appearance, scent, and colours. For centuries, roses have been a muse for many writers, poets, painters, and perfume creators. It's no surprise that so many of us want to have these flowers in our gardens. Unfortunately, their cultivation can be challenging. They are very demanding plants, sensitive to various kinds of diseases.

There are about 20,000 different varieties of roses worldwide, each distinguished by its unique colour and shape. The bushes can range between approximately 1 and 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) in height. They are perfect for planting in the ground, flowerbeds, or pots. Roses require regular watering, proper fertilization, and pruning.

To ensure that roses bloom beautifully, optimal conditions must be created. Roses prefer a sunny place protected from strong winds. The best soil for them is rich, clayey, and neutral or slightly acidic.

Watering roses is crucial. In the spring and summer, they should be watered weekly with water, directing the stream directly under the roots. It's important to avoid wetting the leaves, as these plants are particularly susceptible to fungal diseases.

Protecting roses from fungal diseases and pests doesn't have to be difficult. Just use vodka – this unusual remedy has been used in gardening for a long time.

Alcohol disinfects the soil, repels pests attacking the leaves, and promotes and extends the blooming period. To use vodka for plant care in the garden, simply mix two cups of pure vodka with about 10 litres (roughly 2.6 gallons) of water. This prepared solution is ready to use. It should be poured directly under the plant's roots every two weeks throughout the blooming period.

To combat pests, apply water spray, vodka, and grey soap. Grate 40 grams (about 1.4 ounces) of soap, dissolve it in approximately 950 millilitres (about a quart) of water, and add 100 millilitres (about 3.4 fluid ounces) of vodka. Spray the leaves infested by pests with this prepared liquid, preferably in the morning or evening, to prevent the sun from burning the leaves.

Other home fertilizers can also effectively improve rose growth. One of them is coffee grounds, which add nitrogen and acidify the soil. Eggshells provide calcium, and nettle tea contains iron and magnesium and works against pests. These natural ingredients are easily available, and using them supports plants.