Question
I recently acquired a piece of a rose bush root from a bush that had been transplanted (unsure of what kind of rose, but it usually had large white to peach colored flowers). I was wondering if this root was able to be started and if so, how to start.  It seems like a very strong root with one end that was bare (all the small feeder roots seem to be only at one end of the root). Thank you.

Answer
The frail little feeder rots are easily killed by just being out in the air. So I would put the root into some soil and water that is made like a soup just for now. Then buy some potting soil as this soil makes it easy for new roots to push through and it is free of any bacteria or bugs. Place the rose where it will get some light and if you have a warm winter, place it outside where it will be sheltered. If your winter is cold, dig a hole in the ground and place the pot up to it's neck in the hole and then cover it over with more soil, compost or mulch until the spring. When the weather has warmed up, take the pot out of the hole and place it where it will get 8 hours of sun and then some shade. Finally after the summer and in the late fall when it has dropped all it's leaves, plant it in the garden where you want it.