How to plant a rose

1. Choose a day when the ground isn't hard or frozen

2. Before planting, soak bare-root roses in water - ideally for six hours. Water container-grown roses so the soil is not dry.

3. Dig a hole at least 30cm (1ft) deep and twice as wide as the roots, ideally where a rose has not been grown before. If this is not possible, dig a hole at least 45cm (18in) square, discard the soil and replace it with rose-free soil from elsewhere (or good quality potting compost).

4. Add well-rotted organic matter (manure of garden compost) to the hole to give the plant a good start, then add some Rootgrow plant/soil food.

Which should I choose – bare-root or container grown?

Bare-root roses are cheaper and often grow faster as their roots have been grown in open ground, rather than having been restricted to a container.

Karen writes for Garden News magazine which is packed full of tips, inspiration, plant and product news and great money-saving offers! On sale every Tuesday, or subscribe and try your first four issues for just £1. Call 01858 438884 or visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/YFIG. T&Cs apply.