by Tina Samuels

Created on: May 10, 2010

There are some gardeners who believe that gardening has only one season, spring. Even with water or pond gardens, it is still a four season hobby. As the leaves begin to change and the plants have all started to wither, there are things that need to be done to prepare your water garden for a winter season. These items are specific to the garden, plants, animals, and the equipment that the pond functions with. Basic and careful maintenance all year long can keep the pond fresh and worry free.

Water Garden Maintenance

Do any repair to the framework of the garden that may be needed. Check on the liner, the containers that house plants, separator nets that may be between schools of fish, etc. To keep large debris items from falling into the pond, place a protective net across the top of the pond area. The net holes should be just large enough to keep out leaves but allow rainfall and other smaller items to go into the pond.

Water Plant Maintenance

Any of the oxygenating plants that have reached the water’s surface will need to be trimmed back in fall. This is also a good time to trim out the dead areas in the plants. Do a thorough cleaning out of any diseased plants or those plants that aren’t thriving. Dividing up bog plants will be part of the season.

Pond Animal Maintenance

During the fall season, fish will only need to be fed by the pond owner during the warmer days. Cold days will have them not needing food. Do another seasonal check for any diseased or ill fish in the pond; again a net will be the best way to check on fish without causing undo stress. Check on both sides of the fish and check any other pond inhabitants that may be lurking in the pond.

Pond Equipment Maintenance

The only thing that is going to be needed during the fall months in regards to pond equipment is another check of electrical items, pumps, filters, and to do any necessary cleanings and repairs.

There are so many gardeners that only work toward maintaining their garden, whether it is flower or water, during the Spring and Summer seasons. Fall maintenance is crucial toward a more protective winter “storage” system. Just a few easy checks on the pond and the surrounding plants and animals will make it far easier to maintain a healthy and thriving pond.

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