Early Spring in the Rose Garden by Marci Martin, Consulting Rosarian April is the time to begin removing winter protection. Rose cones can be removed, or level out the mulch or soil you used to cover the plants. This is also a good time to have a soil test done, before you add fertilizer to the soil. Woodland Gardens carries UConn soil test kits for $8.50, which will offer a soil analysis and recommendations for adjusting your soil for your own particular needs. Spring pruning encourages roses to grow. A good indicator for pruning in your area is blooming forsythia. Once you see these cheery yellow flowers in your neighborhood, it's time to start pruning. Use bypass pruners, and trim at a 45-degree angle to an outward-facing bud. Trim any canes crossing over each other, as their prickles can cause a lot of damage. Try to open up the center of the rosebush to increase air circulation. And seal your canes with Elmer's Glue to keep the borers out.