Ponds are a fantastic ornamental addition to any garden, bringing movement, reflection and a sense of tranquillity to outdoor spaces. They can be all shapes and sizes, from simple bowls or old sinks to large boating ponds. With nearly 70% of natural ponds disappearing from the countryside in the last 100 years, garden ponds are increasingly important for supporting wildlife.
The key to a healthy pond is keeping the water clear and making sure plants don’t take over. A pond with the right balance of plants and oxygen will allow your aquatics to thrive and attract a wide range of wildlife to your garden.
Use our tips to keep your pond in tip-top condition all year round.
Spring
- Clean out small amounts of sludge and debris that have built up over winter to maintain water quality and reduce blanket weed.
- Wait until fish have come out of hibernation before cleaning, and avoid disturbing the warmer water at the deepest part of the pond.
- Remove blanket weed by twirling it around a stick or using a net.
- Leave removed blanket weed beside the pond for a night or two before composting so wildlife can return to the water.
- Check pond plants for folded leaves containing newt eggs and avoid thinning these plants until July.
- Plant new pond plants from spring to early summer while the water is warming up.
- Aim to cover around 50% of the pond’s surface with waterlilies and other foliage to reduce algae and provide shelter for wildlife.
- Add oxygenating plants to improve water quality and provide cover for aquatic wildlife.
- Plant marginal plants around the edge of the pond to soften the edges and create additional habitats.
- Add barley straw before warm weather arrives to help reduce algae growth.
- Increase the number of oxygenating plants if algae is a recurring problem.
- Install a fountain or pump to improve oxygen levels, particularly in deeper ponds.
- Feed waterlilies with a specialist aquatic fertiliser if they flowered poorly the previous year.
- Check wildlife can safely enter and leave the pond, adding ramps or shallow access points if needed.
Summer
- Cut back excessive plant growth, keeping around 50% of the pond surface free from vegetation.
- Deadhead flowers and remove damaged foliage before it rots in the water.
- Top up the pond using rainwater whenever possible.
- If using tap water, leave it uncovered for 24 hours before adding it to the pond.
- Keep exposed pond liner covered with water, pebbles or plants to prevent cracking.
- Regularly clean pumps and filters to keep them working efficiently.
Autumn
- Remove fallen leaves and decomposing plant material to prevent sludge building up.
- Prune back excessive growth of submerged plants.
- Remove a small amount of silt from the bottom of the pond.
- Leave removed silt beside the pond for 48 hours before adding it to flower beds.
- Carry out any major pond cleaning or overhauls during autumn.
Winter
- Melt a hole in frozen ponds using a hot pan placed on the ice if you keep fish.
- Never smash pond ice as the shockwaves can harm fish.
- Keep part of the pond ice-free to benefit wildlife.
- Leave pumps running if conditions are mild, but remove and store them if prolonged freezing weather is expected.
- Remove, clean and store pumps over winter if your pond does not contain fish.
- Float a ball on the pond to help delay freezing.
- Install a secure fence or rigid mesh cover if young children have access to the pond.
- Prune back overhanging branches so sunlight can reach the pond.
- Brush snow off the ice to allow light into the water.
- Check water levels throughout winter for signs of leaks.
Enjoy a Healthy Pond All Year
Looking after your pond throughout the year will help keep the water clear, your plants healthy and create a safe haven for wildlife. By carrying out a few simple seasonal maintenance tasks, you can enjoy a beautiful, thriving pond in every season. Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre for expert advice and everything you need to keep your pond in great condition year-round.
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
