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Aquatic Plant Seminar
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Everything about a pond is based on water temperature. Usually by early to mid April all of the aquatic plant life in the pond can be seen starting to peak up from the edges of the pond. The water may still be cold, but remember, the sun is getting higher in the sky each day.
Get the Big Picture...The inside edge of the pond should blend in with the outside edge of the pond. Have an idea of the kind of Aquatic Plants you would like to see on the inside edge. Think of foliage color and texture just not the color of a flower.
Get Ready... Clean up all the remaining plants from last year. Remove all the dead leaves. This will allow the newer more tender leaves to grow with less restriction and will give the plant more energy.
Sun vs. Shade...There are so many plants available. All plants will grow in the shade. However, flowering plants especially require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun and usually will not flower without the required sun light. Those plants that like more sun light will not grow to the full lush color and size they may be pictured as without the sun.
Get Set... You may need to lower the water level to add or remove the plants from the pond. Sometimes it makes it easier and less messy as you can see what you are doing without dirty the water. Put your new plants next to the pond so you can visualize what the plant looks like next to other plants.
Go... You can split Aquatic Plants in the earlier time of the growing season. Remember, they are in the water all the time. Don't be afraid to break too many roots. You can take sections of plants and place them in between rocks, or putting pieces into pots with other plants.
Fish want your plants... Your fish are plant eaters. They will, if they can, actually suck out the soil just to get to the roots of the plants. This can make a mess. Remember to add pea gravel over the soil or plant media to the top of the plant container or plant bog.
Feed & Fun... Planting your pond is one of the more enjoyable parts of the pond. You need to remember to have fun. The plants may be smaller this time of year, but remember they will grow as the water temperature increases. With warmer water, plants use energy. Remember to fertilize all your plants. Shallow water plants use 1 fertilizer tablet every 3 weeks. Water Lilies can use up to 3 tablets every 3 weeks. Lotus can use up to 5 tablets every 3 weeks. You will notice a big difference in your plants with fertilizing.
Keeping up... If possible remove any old flower heads or browning leaves on your plants through-out the growing season. This will keep the plant healthier as well as keeping a healthier pond. Pruning or pinching plants that get out of control is fine anytime. Sometimes you can take cuttings and put them in other areas of the pond.
Finishing up... In the fall as the water gets cooler, the plants will start to die back. Cut all the foliage down to 2" above the water line. No need to move the plant to the bottom of the pond and don't fertilize them either. Just remove any dead leaves as this will cause excess algae growth during the off season
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