Question
I live in Boston MA and have climbing roses [20 bushes] that climb a chainlink fence that surrounds the house. [the house is on the corner lot] Some of the climbers are over 30 years old but for the past few years the commerical fertilizers I ve been using I have not been happy with{scotts}I would like to try something different. Any suggestions? Also the roses get brown spot earlier and earlier and I spray them regularly with malathion and funginex. Why is this happening?
                             Thanks

Answer
Most fertilizers for use on roses all have same formulars. One that I like, Miracle Grow, has all essential nutrients including micro nutrients which solves any deficiencies the soil may have. Another option is peters.

Try Miracle Grow 15-30-15 or Peters 20-20-20.
Don't use lawn fertilizers. Generally one with first and last numbers being the same, and a high middle number is preferred.

Roses perform best in full sun. Start fertilizing in late spring after the rose has leaved out on it's own and discountinue fertilizing after August 1st so that the rose may harden off.

Try topdressing the area around the rose with organic matter (compost) and keep it well mulched and hydrated. Roses tend to be susceptible to disease if stressed (lack of sun, moisture or too little or too much fertilizer). Also, if you have used the same type of spray for years the diseases may have developped resistance to them. Try switching brands (banner-Max for example).