Follow these simple steps to build your very own pond. You can find more details in our guide.
It is possible to have a stunning landscape with water gardens without doing much work. Follow these simple steps to build your own water garden. Start with hollowed-out stones that catch the rainwater, or go all out and create a coyfish pond.
Research is important before designing your water feature. You need to determine how big you want your water feature to be to decide the layout. You can do most things by guessing, and then checking. To do ponds right, you will need more time and money.
This guide will help you build a backyard pond without getting stressed out.
Design and Seating
Speak to a contractor about the requirements and options before starting. Poor planning will end up costing you more in the long run. Consider the following before building a backyard pool:
For a water garden that looks natural, you’ll want sloped walls. Planting terraces can be built that descend to the level of your pond. Planting different types of plants and creating diverse habitats will allow you to create a variety of environments.
In northern areas, you can set the depth between 24 to 36 inches. This will prevent the pond from freezing. If you live in a warmer climate where frost is not a concern, then brick, clay, or cement can be used to line the bottom. The majority of professional gardeners use plastic or fiberglass preformed liners.
Also, you can use butyl and PVC liners that are flexible and custom-cut. Preformed liners are much easier to install and can be done faster. The flexibility of flexible liners allows you to build your pond more easily.
Containers
Consider a patio garden if you are looking to create a smaller pond for your backyard. It will be easier to maintain. In a tub placed on your deck, you can grow aquatic plants. You can add fish and a fountain if you wish.
You can use a whiskey barrel, or even a tub made of plastic for water gardens. You can add miniature lotus or water lilies to your container. Place your container in a place where it will receive between 20 and 30 gallons water, as well as at least six hours of sunlight each day.
These simple steps will help your plants to grow and blossom. You should ensure there’s enough shade in the afternoon if you live somewhere with a warm climate. This is the most effective way to prevent your plants from being damaged and requiring replacement.
How to choose the best plants
If you love the look of submerged, floating, or edge plants then build your own water garden. They can become invasive and should be kept in containers. You can find reputable plant shops in your locality online.
Always check with the Natural Resources Agency of your state to see if any water plants are banned. After the growing season, water plants can be composted. Avoid placing them near streams or rivers.
You can buy floating plants
The floating plants shade the water and will absorb any nutrients that are dissolved. Your pond will remain clean because the plants suppress algae. Watch out for American frogbits and water hyacinths. Look out for water lilies and water lettuce.
The colors of water lilies range from yellow to pink and white. They can bloom all the way from Spring to frost. As long as your plant’s roots aren’t frozen, you should be fine.
In that case, you can remove them from the water at the end of the Fall season and put them into a bucket filled with water. If this is the case, remove the pots from the water and put them in a bucket of water. They should be kept somewhere safe so that they do not freeze. Choose a variety that is small for your water garden. The area should be between 2 and 4 square feet.
Submerged plants
These plants can be used to create your own pond. They spend their entire lives blooming below the water surface. They are also called oxygenators.
Submerged plants can absorb water-borne nutrients directly through their stems and leaves. They do not need soil or any special fertilizers. The plants compete against algal growth, and they keep the water clear by eating dissolved nutrients.
Edge Plants
Edge plants can be found growing on shelves 5-10 inches below the surface of water. You can grow edge plants in moist soil around backyard ponds. The plants are a refuge for frogs, fish and other plant species.
You can buy shelf plants such as cannas, marsh marigolds, water plantains, sweet flags, cattails and pickerel rush. Some plants only thrive in moist soil around a pond. Some of these plants are Japanese, Siberian Liatris, and Ajuga.
The Adding of Fish
Fish can make a great addition to your garden. They are also able to keep track of the mosquito population in your backyard. Fish are an excellent source of nutrition for plants. A surplus of nutrients can lead to algae blooms if there are too many fish.
It is essential to have a 30-gallon outdoor patio tub, and it should be placed in an area that receives plenty of sun. Tropical fish, such as goldfish that live in cold water, do better in patio tubs with warmer temperatures. As long as the water doesn’t freeze to the bottom, goldfish, koi, and native fish can survive winters in deep ponds.
Aeration and filtration are not required in some water gardens. Use the best mix of plants to get the most out of your water. Take your time to clear the water and remove any dead plants. If your pond has a lot of fish, you may need a pond evaporator.
Build your own pond now!
You can build your own pond now. As long as you continue to learn about water and the ecosystem, you’ll be well prepared. You can choose to have a small pond or water garden. They will both instantly bring peace and calm to your home.