Gardening Tips and Hints

With just about any hobby or profession, there are always tips, tricks a "rules of (green) thumb" to that can significantly reduce mistakes and increase the likelihood of success. Our horticulturists and some of our more outspoken customers have pooled their ideas to help you be more successful in your garden. We hope you enjoy these "tricks of the trade."

Containers for Water Plants

Many water plants must be planted in a plastic container befre they are placed in pond or decorative container. It's important to select the right container size based on the size of the water garden and the ultimate size of the plant to be potted.

Additional Information

Most containers used for aquatics are chosen based upon the size of the water garden and the purpose. The size of the pool or pond dictates the size of the container and the types of plants that will be grown. For the most part, containers that are about 15 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep are suitable for hardy water lilies. When planting tropical water lilies, containers that are 20 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep will work well. For other types of plants, containers in the range of 6 inches to 20 are suitable. The choice will be made based on the plant and the fact that larger containers produce larger plants and smaller containers tend to keep plants smaller in size.

Keeping the Water Clear

Algae problems in water gardens are generally caused by the action of the sun and excess nutrients in the water. You can correct algae problems by reducing the amount of nutrients in your pond.

Additional Information

If ponds are established properly and balanced with the correct ratio of plants, fish and scavengers, algae control and algae problems are not difficult to control. When first establishing a water garden, green water conditions will exist for about 2-3 weeks but will clear as the water equalizes between plant nutrient uptake and the introduction of nutrients from fertilizers and/or fish. The general cause of algae in ponds is excess nutrients from either the overstocking or overfeeding of fish, overfertilization of plants, or the lack of nutrient uptake by plants caused by planting too few plants in the pond. A general rule for stocking fishponds is to use 4-6 goldfish and one water lily for every square yard of water surface. Feed fish a specified amount of food per day, and only if necessary. Most fish can survive on naturally occurring foods within a balanced system.
General methods for reducing algae in ponds include reducing the nutrients causing the algae. To reduce nutrients, reduce the feeding of the fish, the level of fish stocked in the pond or the fertilization of the plants. Other methods to reduce algae problems are flushing the pond and adding new water; adding additional aquatic plants to allow as much as 50 percent of the water surface to be covered; and adding some type of mechanical or biological filter system in larger ponds.

The use of algae reducing chemicals should be the last resort in small ponds. Injury to both plant and animal life in the pond can easily result with misapplication. It is often better to look at the cause of imbalance and correct it before resorting to chemicals.

Soil for Water Plants

A clay-based garden soil is the best choice for aquatic plants.

Additional Information

Water lilies, lotus, and other aquatic plants do best when they are planted in heavy clay loam soils similar to what you find in many garden settings. These types of soils are generally well-balanced nutritionally and will support good growth. Commercial potting mixes or other artificial mixes are not used because they are too lightweight and do not hold nutrients for any length of time. So, contrary to other container gardening "rules" do not use an amended soil mix for potting aquatic plants.

Once planted, the soil should be covered with a 1/2 to 3/4 inch layer of pea gravel. This will help prevent soil particles from clouding the water and will discourage fish from digging into the soil.

The Pond Thermometer

Shows proper care and maintenance of water plants.