The good news first: A garden pond with aquatic plants is much easier to care for than a sterile pond basin. In this practical guide you will find out why this is and what you should bear in mind when caring for your pond plants!

Diseased or dead plant parts can be removed at any time

Aquatic plants partly ensure cleanliness themselves

Aquatic plants absorb excess nutrients from the water and, in turn, supply the latter with oxygen. In this way, they naturally create a biological balance in which all pond inhabitants - including the animals - feel comfortable. In order for the water values to remain stable over the long term and for your aquatic plants to thrive magnificently, a few care measures are still required.

The most important care measures for aquatic plants

  • A mixture of loam, sand, gravel and clay as well as some peat is recommended as a substrate. Humus and other nutrient-rich soils are taboo. These would only affect the water quality and promote unwanted algae growth.
  • It makes sense to place the aquatic plants in planters (plastic or other materials) from the start for a number of reasons.
  • Measure the iron level in the water (tests are available at hardware and garden centers, as well as online). A sufficiently high iron content is important for the plants to grow optimally and bloom with intense colors. Add an iron fertilizer if necessary. But be careful: there should never be too much iron in the pond, otherwise the water could turn brown.
  • Speaking of fertilisers: use only low to zero phosphate products. Otherwise, also fertilize potential algae. In general, you should only fertilize when necessary. To do this, you need to conduct regular tests.
  • Immediately after the winter, before the onset of spring, it is important to cut back the plants in the bank area, all the way down. In the spring itself, you can then cut the actual aquatic plants. If you let everything grow unhindered, you will soon not be able to see much of the pond itself.
  • In general, you should always remove old and dead plant remains from the water immediately. The putrefaction would merely contaminate the water.
  • Don't forget to constantly refill evaporated water. You usually only have to change the water in exceptional cases (e.g. if there is a drastic increase in algae growth or if the pond water has been accidentally contaminated with pollutants). However, once a year you cannot avoid changing the water - when cleaning the pond.

Conclusion

Stick to the care measures described and ensure wonderful flora in your garden pond. Always make sure to use fewer rather than more aquatic plants, because: the pretty ones will grow bigger and more lush by themselves.

Category:

Vegetable garden