Aquatic gardening

Choose the site: Ideally, the site should be partially sunny. This means sun preferably in the morning and shade in the afternoon. This will prevent the pond from getting too hot in the summer months. This will also help prevent the algae from getting out of control.

Hard or soft lining? In my experience, a soft eyeliner works best. Hard coatings are preformed and not easy to level. When you are installing preformed siding, many of them have recessed plant shelves and different tiers. Dig the hole larger than the total size of the pond surface and the total depth. This makes it necessary to dig a lot. Once it’s dug in and the bottom is level, install the liner and start filling again. Try to have more than one person refill it with you, so that the liner does not move. Try to pack it on the go. Putting a little water in the liner will help anchor it in place while you refill it. If you live in an area of ​​the country that has freezing temperatures in the winter, BE CAREFUL: Hard coatings can come off the ground during the winter months.

A soft lining gives you more flexibility. With design, with layout and the edges are easier to hide.

When digging to install a soft liner, spray paint in the shape of the pond on the ground and then begin digging. This should also be as level as possible, however the soft liner is very forgiving and will buckle at any slight bump or sag. To install shelves in the pond, you can either dig the shape into the pond wall or use materials such as concrete blocks to create shelves. A fabric pond underlayment is extremely important. This will protect the lining from roots and rough edges. If you are using cinder blocks or other rough materials to create shelves or shelves, pad the edges well so they don’t rub against the siding. As you install the soft liner, set the bottom flat and firm (you will have to get into the pond) and work your way up. Again, adding water to the eyeliner will add pressure and help smooth out wrinkles. If you are building a waterfall, place a smooth liner under the rocks and inside the pond. Make sure it overlaps with the pond a bit. This will reduce the amount of water lost.

With a hard or soft eyeliner, you’ll want to cover the edges with some kind of rock edge. This is for decorative purposes if you are using a hard coating, however if you are using a soft coating a rock edge is a must. This will anchor the siding in place and prevent the edges from shifting or slipping. You can use natural stone like Slate or Bluestone for a natural look or for a more contemporary look, cut precast concrete wallcovering for a clean, custom look.

Filtering systems: There are two types of biological filter systems. In the water and above the ground. Water systems are good for smaller ponds. The pump and filter system are located at the bottom of the pond. These systems are relatively inexpensive, the downside is that when the filter needs to be cleaned (on a regular basis, at least every two weeks), it is getting wet.

Above ground systems are more expensive, however once installed they are easier to maintain and are good for larger ponds and ponds with waterfalls. These pumps are generally stronger than submersible ones and can push more water. Filters are easier to change and clean.

When cleaning your filter system, whether on the ground or in the pond, never clean the entire filter system in one go. Typically, there is more than one filter pad or filter media chamber. Clean half at a time. You want to keep a supply of beneficial bacteria in your filter system. The beneficial bacteria help filter our things like chlorine and waste. It will also keep algae at bay.

Have fish: If you want fish in your pond, it must be 24 ‘- 30 “deep in the center so that the fish can overwinter. It also provides a cool place for fish in the summer. A biological filter is also a must. Start with Inexpensive small fish. Fish will grow to fit the size of the pond, and you are likely to lose a few from time to time. Unless you are an experienced aquatic gardener, I would not recommend spending $ 80.00 on a special Koi. Koi are beautiful, but they are also dirty fish, excreting more waste than a normal goldfish.

Caring for your fish: Before putting fish in your pond, neutralize the chlorine in the water. Fish hate chlorine! I recommend letting the pond sit for a few weeks and letting the filter system grow some beneficial bacteria before adding fish. When adding fish, allow the fish to acclimate to the water temperature for at least an hour before opening the bags and pouring them into the pond. In this way, the fish can change temperature slowly and reduce the possibility of shock. A dose of stress coat in the water will help reduce stress. This will cover the fish and reduce stress. The other deadly problem for fish is high nitrate levels. Reading a little about the chemistry of water in ponds will be helpful.

Pond plants are also great for the pond. They provide a source of shade and food for the fish. There are floating plants, such as water lettuce, water hyacinth, anacharis, and water lilies. There are also swamp plants. These grow in special pots and sit on the ledges of the pond, like Irises, Cannas, and Cat Tails. There are dozens of different types of pond plants. It will also create a habitat for frogs and turtles.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it’s really just a lot of information. Once you have your pond set up and balanced it will be a pleasure. Place a bench near the pond so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the serenity of a pond in your own backyard.

There are many ready-to-install pond kits available that will make building a pond quicker and easier than you might think. You can find a number of sizes to meet your specific needs at most garden centers.