Even the best-kept ponds turn into quite unsightly ponds during the winter. From bank maintenance and mud removal to repotting and dividing the fast-growing aquatic plants, there is a lot to do when cleaning the garden pond in spring if the water is to remain clear.

Algae should be fished out all year round

Many pond plants begin to sprout again at the beginning of March and if the winter was mild, the first flowers will soon appear. A good time to divide the clump plants that have grown larger, to repot heavy feeders and, if necessary, to carry out a moderate basic fertilization. The algae also have to go so that they cannot spread further in warmer temperatures.

Remove frost damage and pond sludge

Stronger permafrost can cause damage to the edge reinforcement, especially on the bank zones, sometimes the pond liner is damaged in some places. After all mechanical damage has been eliminated, the bottom of the pond must be carefully cleaned and the sludge that has accumulated in the meantime must be completely removed. Cleaning is quicker with a high-pressure cleaner (€119.90) and mud vacuum cleaner, otherwise a landing net will also do the trick. The resulting silt is excellent worm food that can be mixed on the compost or right under the bed.

Top up the pond water but do not change it

Apart from the fact that a complete change of the pond water only causes unnecessary stress for the fish living in the water, only fresh water would have an unfavorable effect on the biological balance in the tank. "Stale" water, however, supports the breakdown of nutrients by aquatic plants and microorganisms and significantly reduces the formation of thread algae. A complete replacement of the water can only be considered if the following water values are significantly exceeded or not reached:

  • pH: 7 to 8
  • Nitrite content: 0.15 mg/l
  • Nitrate content: 0.5 mg/l
  • Carbon hardness: 5 to 12
  • Total hardness: 8 to 12 °dH

Maintenance of the technical system of the pond

After the garden pond has been cleaned, the pumps, water features, filters and pond clarifiers can now be brought out of hibernation and checked for functionality. If the thorough cleaning and any necessary replacement of the filter cartridges has not been done before winter storage, now is the time to do so.

tips

In the new garden year, try to get the algae plague under control with natural means. With their appetite, pond snails make an invaluable contribution to pond cleaning and a naturally healthy water world. And if they multiply too much, the colonization of newts, their natural predators, will help.

Category:

Garden design