Garden pond and fish pond care

Water

Crystal clear water is the goal of new Garden pond owners. Unfortunately, nature does not always work that way. Fluctuations in temperature, nutrients, sunlight, rain, clouds, wind, etc., can affect water clarity. This murky water is not necessarily unhealthy for plants and fish. Clear water is a nice goal but don't be upset when the water in your pond becomes slightly cloudy.

Balancing water condition in a garden pond is something that takes time. Aquatic Plants need to establish themselves, fish need to settle down, grasses need to grow. All have a vital part in balancing the chemical makeup of pond water. Don't be impatient in the beginning as your pond may take some dramatic swings in water condition.

Since balancing water in a fish pond takes time, avoid the temptation to change the water. The only time you should change water is if some pollutant gets into the pond. Sometimes pond owners like to transfuse the pond in the spring to help get through the algae stage. That depends on how dormant your pond gets during the winter. If you get snow and ice, then a partial water change in the spring may be considered.

Pollution

Acid rain, smog, insect sprays, fertilizers, etc. all make their way into your garden pond. Most of the time, ponds will adjust, but if nothing changes for an extended period of time, look for a serious pollutant. Leaves, and airborne dirt, are part of nature and should not be considered a pollutant. There are some leaves and pine needles that can become a problem. Check with a local pond asdsociation or installer to see what may be a problem in your area. By no means should you vacuum the bottom of your pond. The pond sediment that builds up is part of the natural ecosystem. Let it undisturbed except for the following.

In the fall, when many trees drop their leaves, you should monitor the depth of leaves on the bottom. I recommend that you take out leaves (only in the fall in temerate climates) that accumulate more than one inch. Use your hand and just grab handfuls. Don't use tools. When you start this operation, the pond will quickly cloud up so you can't count on a net either. Use rubber gloves if neccessary.

Fish

Fish are rarely ill in a garden pond. They're in their natural habitat. The only time you need to watch closely is when you add new fish. Incoming fish are the ones carrying bugs or illness. When adding new fish, I recommend adding a chemical that helps the new fish coating. There are several available. Try to buy one that is specifically made for ponds.

Feeding fish is the single most detrimental act that weakens not only your fish, but upsets nature's balance in your garden pond. Do not feed the fish unless it is just after introducing them to your new pond.

Plants

You should spend your maintenance time attending to growing plants. Starting new plants is the hardwork. Bare root plants are stressed and will take some time to establish themselves. once they get started, they will grow rapidly and will need careful pruning.

Aphids and other insects are best treated with insecticidal soaps but read instructions carefully and never spray when the sun is directly on your plants. Yellowing or other poor growth conditions can be attributed to pH problems. Some plants are more prone to this than others. Especially floating plants. When you look at the suspended roots of floating plants, they should be gray-black with fine little hairs all over. If they are white, and all the hairs are gone - it's a sure sign of high pH.

If you are having problems, check your pH. It should be neutral but check it over a two week period because it does fluctuate naturally. One or two readings can give you a false picture of pond pH. Check PH for a weeks time morning and evening alternating if you can't do both. Then make some adjustments if necessary.

High pH is usually the problem. Plant in soil on top of a layer of oak leaves which are acid. Wet down a few handfuls of leaves in a bucket of water first and then put them on the bottom of the pond and wait. If you have no oak trees around, use a chemical acidifier ...but be very careful. Quick changes in pH will kill your fish.

Lilies need to be fertilized at certain intervals during the growing season. Use slow release tablets so you don't send you pond into nutritional shock. Lilies also need to be replanted ever other year.

Bog plants are weeds and they grow and spread aggresivly. They will spread all over if you allow. Prune bog plants as neccessary. They will also need fertilizer and replanting from time to time. That is why the plant boxes are so handy. Just sit the plant table out on dry land and replant.

Floating plants often get out of control if left unattended. Don't hesitate to take them out and put them in your mulch pile. Don't throw unwanted floating plants in local ditches as they may take hold and cause a neighborhood problem.

Conclusion

Ponds are a natural occuring phenomena. As long as man does not interfere, and there is no pollution, a properly built and stocked pond will go on year after year with simple plant maintenance and the occasional removal of a handful of leaves. Koi ponds are the exception to this simple advice.

 

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