GARDENER'S READING ROOM
Ponds and Fountains

Waking up the Pond in Spring

Many people come to Sky Nursery year round for questions about ponds and pond maintenance. Easily one of the most frequently asked questions in the summer and early fall is “My pond is green and how can I fix it?” Early spring is the most important time of year for maintaining a healthy pond. Spending a little quality time now with your pond will save you time, frustration, and potentially a lot of money for the up and coming year. So here is a checklist of things to look at for your pond.

1. Muck cleaning:
A muck cleaning is simply cleaning the organic layer of debris that has fallen to the bottom of your pond over the last year, & especially the leaves from fall. The reason you do a muck cleaning is so that the organic matter that has settled onto the bottom does not later promote the conditions that make algae blooms. I’ve found two effective ways to do a muck cleaning. Option 1: Purchase a muck vac that works on a suction effect powered by the pressure of your garden hose. These work very well, and Sky does carry them. However if your water pressure is on the lighter side this option may not work well for you. Option 2: Hire a service to come out and do it for you.

2. Water testing:
You may already own a water test kit; if not, Sky carries both multiple test kits and individual tests. If you have a biological filter then you want to pay special attention to your nitrate level. Ideally if your filter is working well you should have nitrate readings of close to zero. If your test reads more than zero then you will need to determine the cause. Most causes are from poor filtration that is due to some type of mechanical malfunction (a faulty pump) or an overabundance of organic matter in the pond (so do your muck cleaning).

3. Physical conditions:
The last thing to look at is the overall physical condition of your pond. Look at your pipes, filters, pumps, liners… anything that might have taken damage during the fall or winter. Check pipes or tubing for cracking, especially after a very cold winter. Take out any mechanical filters and give them a good washing with your garden hose. While they are out of the filter housings is a great time to see if they need to be replaced. Check electrical and water connections on pumps to ensure no damage has happened over the fall and winter.

Muck cleaning, water testing, and noticing the physical condition of your pond are some of the best things you can do to help your pond wake up from its long winter nap. Stop by or call us at Sky if you have any questions about ponds or pond maintenance. For those who are interested in other water features we have a very nice selection of fountains available in many different styles. We look forward to your calls and meeting you in person to help you with your pond needs.

By Len Hanson
Skylights Spring 2007 Vol 22, No. 1

Other articles on ponds and fountains