Adding Aquatic Life To Your Pond
If you are here looking at pond pumps, chances are you may be interested in learning more about aquatic plant life and how you can improve the landscape in and around your pond. There are variables that may be unique to your area and the climate you live in, so before investing in any of the plant life mentioned here, do your research to make sure they are a fit for the area you live in. That being said, selecting the right plants for your pond can improve the water quality, provide better shelter for pond life, and help to create a beautiful landscape for you to enjoy. Balance is key to creating a pond that thrives without using toxic chemicals to balance water levels and control unwanted pond growth like algae.
There are many different types of pond plants that can be introduced into your pond habitat but a little research is recommended before diving into it. We suggest you learn more about the variations of aquatic plant life that are available in your area. In addition to a quality pump and filter, the right pond plants can provide additional oxygenation and filtration for your pond. There are seasonal plants, shallow water plants, submerged, and floating plants that can be used to improve the quality of your pond.
5 Plant Tips To Improve Your Pond With Plants
1. Diversify the selection of plants you purchase with seasonal and perennial variations.
2. Skim your pond frequently and remove dead leaves and debris to help prevent algae growth.
3. Maintain your plants, trim, and treat them like any other garden variety in your yard.
4. Invest in a quality pond pump and pond filter to keep water circulating. This will benefit your plant life and pets as well.
5. Start slow, add two plants at a time. Some plant thrives better than others and you will learn more with a slower approach.
Adding aquatic plant life to your pond is necessary for many reasons. Aside from the joy you get as a caretaker, the plant life is necessary for maintaining balance in your water, shelter, and food. Aquatic plant life is like any other plant you may add to your garden. They need attention, natural light, and nutrients to grow and thrive in a natural environment. Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your pond project.
5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Plants
1. Before you build your pond, you should consider how much direct sunlight it gets daily. You should consider positioning the pond so that it gets at least 5-8 hours of sun daily. Most pond plants thrive in direct sunlight.
2. Add nutrient-rich substrates to your pond floor. Regardless of the type of pond liner you may be using, nutrient rich substrates will prove to be extremely beneficial to the health of your plants.
3. Try to start your pond using water from a natural source, rather than the garden hose. The plants will grow stronger without the chemicals added to tap water.
4. Plant perimeter foliage that attracts natural predators. Ladybugs are a great source of natural pest control.
5. Invest in a pest control solution to keep your aquatic plants from becoming food to mites, aphids, and other plant eating insects. You do not want to lose your plants to garden pests.
With all the plant life available, sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint what is right for you and your pond. With all the options available, we will break down some of the more common types that thrive well in pond environments.
5 Plant Types For Your Pond
1. Floating Plant Life: These are not only visually appealing, but they also provide shelter and can be used as a resting place for turtles and frogs. These plants do not need to be planted, they float and absorb their nutrients from the water through their roots.
2. Submerged Plant Life: These plants are great for the floor of your pond, they root well, provide shelter, natural filtration, and help to oxygenate the water.
3. Potted Plant Life: These are a great way to add submerged plant life to your pond without letting them loose in the pond. Keeping them potted will allow you to manage them better and replace them when needed.
4. Marginal Plant Life: These plants are flexible options that can be planted in water or around the perimeter of the pond.
5. Bog Plant Life: Bog plants usually thrive well around the perimeter of the pond and do much better in aquatic conditions than other plant types.
As with any home garden, you will need to experiment to see which plants thrive best in your pond. Every pond responds differently to its environment. There are many variables that may affect how your pond thrives, from lighting, temperature, water depth, surrounding plant life, animals, and air quality. In my experience, we have lost many plants in the ponds we have built until we have found our forever plants. There are too many things that differ from pond to pond for this to be an exact science for the hobbyist. Our goal here is to educate and inspire you to try different approaches when choosing aquatic life for your pond habitat.
