Question
Lynnette

I have heard that manure is not good for roses - it is possible that one could get a phosphate build up in the ground which will reduce the uptake of nitrate

Thanks
Gerrit

Answer
If you are talking about cow manure, or even horse, if it has laid on the ground and rotted for a year, then the phosphate build up won't be a problem. But if it is fairly new then the ammonia will be very strong and will burn the rose roots. Manure is not a fertilizer it is a soil conditioner, and helps to build up the bacteria and microbes which break down nutrients so the rose roots can assimilate them. Putting a bag of steer manure in the hole helps and doesn't harm at all. Hope this helps. Lynnette