The Garden Pond and How to Maintain It
September 20, 2011 - Posted in Uncategorized
A pond is always a nice feature to have in your garden. Keeping one in good condition, however, is not always easy. Here are some tips.
Plant good oxygenators such as iris and fairy moss, but be ready to prune back any overgrowth. Dead or dying plants should be removed, and plant containers should be topped with gravel to prevent fish from disturbing the soil. Get specific advice on plant choices for the size, depth and location of your pond.
Stock the pond with fish. The most popular, and often the best, pond fish is the common goldfish. Not all fish are winter hardy and if you live further north, consider removing fish to an aquarium for the winter. Koi are best kept only in the larger ponds.
The biggest problem ponds have is algae. If you have a fountain, then a filter can be attached to it. This turns your water feature into a filtration system. Make sure to remove dead leaves in the fall and in winter, float a plastic ball in the pond to prevent it from freezing completely. All of these steps will remove algae and help keep the oxygen levels up for your fish.
If a pond is leaking, you may have to drain it to replace or patch the liner, so always be prepared to remove fish and water plants so the pond can be drained. Fish should not be kept in small bowls for any longer than is necessary.
Keeping your pond well stocked and in good condition will make it a fine asset to your garden.
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