A home water garden doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. In fact, apart from minor maintenance, the pond should take care of itself. This article will guide you through the process of maintaining your water garden through the different seasons. Keeping your water quality, plant life, and fish in top shape will allow you to get the most satisfaction from your garden.
Spring:
Spring is a crucial time of the year for your garden.
1. It is important that the drop net is removed and all debris and leaves are cleaned from the pond.
2. The heater can be removed and the pump can be reinstalled. Make sure all electrical components are working properly and filters are clean.
3. You can start feeding the fish as long as the water temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Be sure not to overfeed them, as food waste will rot at the bottom of the pond. Also, overfeeding can cause fish to reproduce, which also pollutes water quality.
4. “Algal bloom” can occur as the water warms and leaves the surface green. Patience on your part will allow microorganisms to eat it up in a few days. Large strings of algae can also be removed by hand.
5. Installing new plant material is always a treat! You can start this process in mid to late spring.
Summer:
1. From late spring to summer, the plants will begin to flower. Be sure to thin the plants and space them apart to prevent your garden from overgrowing.
2. Check water levels frequently. As evaporation occurs, be sure to refill the pond.
3. If you notice your fish gasping at the surface of the water, your pond may need oxygen. The easiest way to oxygenate your water is to spray water along the surface. Having a fountain or waterfall installed will also oxygenate and improve the quality of the water.
4. Once again, be sure to check the pumps and filters for clogging.
Autumn:
1. Continuous blade cleaning may be required. Now is a good time to consider installing drop netting to help catch leaves before they enter your pond.
2. Cutting back plants to ground level is part of preparing your water garden for winter. Bring in plant material that may not survive the winter.
3. As temperatures begin to cool, only feed fish on warm days. It is not necessary to feed on the coldest days. Fish may also require a high protein diet to help them through the winter months.
4. Replace the pond pump with a heater. This will help prevent the pond from freezing.
Winter:
1. In the dead of winter, the pond can freeze. Be sure to create a hole by melting it with a pot of hot water. Do not hit the ice with a blunt tool as this may shock the fish! A hole in the surface will allow a pocket of air between the ice to prevent any remaining water from freezing.
Following these seasonal tips will help ensure that you get the most benefits from your home water garden, as well as the most time to enjoy it.