So that you can enjoy your garden pond over the long term, you should take good care of it all year round. Even in winter, regular checks and care measures are part of it. We have put together for you what you need to think about and when.
Fallen leaves should be removed
Care all year round
The quality of the water in a garden pond needs to be checked regularly, and not just in summer, when strong plant growth and warm temperatures are the order of the day. Also in spring, when the vegetation period begins, in autumn when the leaves fall and in winter, when the frost comes, maintenance measures are necessary again and again. Especially if you keep fish in your pond, year-round care is necessary.
In the spring
In the spring, maintenance measures for a pond focus primarily on preparing for the summer phase. From March onwards, all plant and animal pond inhabitants that are not hardy and therefore spend the winter indoors must be checked for their health and then go outside again when the temperatures are constantly warmer. Plants can now be cut back easily and grasses can be divided if necessary. You should measure the pH value and the temperature of the water every two weeks from March and counteract unfavorable developments. From the end of May, electrical devices such as filter pump systems can be put back into the water and put into operation.
Spring measures to remember:
- Check the health of plant and animal pond inhabitants
- cut back plants
- Check the pH and temperature of the water every two weeks, later weekly
- Put electric pond equipment into operation from the end of May
In summer
Summer is the busiest time of year when it comes to pond maintenance. A lot of plant material is now sprouting and the water temperature is rising, which can quickly lead to a biological imbalance. Key word: algal bloom. Now check not only the pH value on a weekly basis, but also the oxygen content of the pond water. Because even if you are constantly reducing algae, other nutrient excess factors such as fish food, washed-in garden soil and plant material can lead to increased oxygen consumption in the water and threaten any fish stocks.
Summer measures to remember:
- Fish out algae and other organic material from the pond
- Measure the pH and oxygen levels of the water regularly
- Ventilate at critical oxygen drop
In the autumn
Autumn also brings its work with it. Because now colorful fallen leaves have to be removed from the pond surface. It unnecessarily enriches the water with nutrients, which increases the layer of sludge on the pond floor and promotes algae growth. You should also remove withering material from pond plants. Towards the end of autumn, the annual desludging and water exchange should take place.
Autumn measures to remember:
- Fishing fall leaves from the water surface
- Clean out wilting pond plants
- Desludge/change water
In the winter
When it comes to ponds, winter time is not necessarily the same as resting time. Because now it's frost time. This means: Pond plants and fish that are not hardy must be relocated to their winter quarters in good time. A frozen pond is usually not a problem for the survival of cold-resistant fish. But to make sure that there isn't a too thick, oxygen-reducing layer of sludge on the ground, you should install an ice preventer.
Winter measures to remember:
- Relocate cold-sensitive fish and plants indoors
- possibly install ice preventer