Kansas State University Expert Matt McKernan Advises on Winterizing Roses and Strawberries for Gardeners
Kansas State University horticulture expert Matt McKernan has provided essential guidance for gardeners on how to winterize roses and strawberries. With unseasonably warm November temperatures in Kansas, McKernan emphasizes the importance of preparing these plants for the impending colder days. For roses, he advises winterizing after several hard frosts but before the ground freezes to prevent mold growth and damage to the graft union. Gardeners should clean debris around roses, mound 8-10 inches of soil or compost around each plant, and use new soil to avoid root exposure. Once the ground is frozen, a four-inch layer of mulch (straw, leaves, or wood chips) should be added over the mound and covered with soil to hold it in place. This method protects plants from cold and prevents premature budding during warm spells. Rose canes should be pruned to 36 inches, with weak ones removed, and remaining canes tied loosely to prevent wind damage. For strawberries, McKernan stresses the necessity of mulch to protect...
