How to grow plants in a pond?

[gillymrd]

 this is my Dish it’s 2m in diameter. This picture is when I first got it and set it up, but since I have let it go and I want to re-establish it with Plants. I bought some water plants and also some floaters which are black rubber rings that hold the pot up so I thought I would try that this time because I found it with regular pots. The water got really dirty. So my question is given that it’s mostly the roots that will be dangling in the water what soil mixture should I use. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of advice about these floater devices and I wasn’t sure whether I should be using the same soil as normal or something different. Thanks so much

[gillymrd]

Stage One

@EricL @Jewelleryrescue 

All soil removed replaced with clay pebbles after soaking them for 8 hours. Added the Osmocote release fertiliser tablets to each pot. 
Looking a bit lost in my large bowl but will quickly add more. Little solar fountain. 

 My friendly Eastern Water Dragon very tame. 

Thanks for your help, much appreciated

 

 

 

 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @gillymrd 

Your little friendly Eastern Water Dragon looks stunning as does your pond.

So now just keep an eye on everything adding Osmocote as they suggest but not more than that as you my get and algal bloom. Totally green water.

Algal blooms use up the available dissolved oxygen and can harm the plants and later the fish.  Think of stagnant water verses your clean fresh smelling pond as a reference.

Slightly green is not bad but an indicator to help your pond not go stagnant have a small broom handy and sweep out any loose dead leave green mater/ Organic waste, fish poop later from the base that is why potting mixes matter so your choice not to have dirt in there is a wise move for a bunch of small reasons.

Pea Soup looking water. If this happens exchange half the water with tank water or town water at a pinch.

Keep in mind that's not just a 2m water feature planter you are creating a miniature living water world full of nature and wonders from the microscopic right up to Mr Green your lizard. and I hope you have time to read about things like the nitrogen cycle for starters and when you water beetles come how your plants breath in water, how fish interact how oxygen and co2 is absorbed more in cooler water just like at antartic and the artic needs the cool weather/water so a 1 degree temp shift does matter to the rate of absorption.

I not saying you need a lab coat on before you visit your pond more view your pond like Mr Green sees it.  And above all enjoy/

[gillymrd]

Hello JR

@EricL 

thank you for your fabulous response so informative and giving me great guidance.

Glad you mentioned the Osmocote. I’ve used the aquatic control release fertiliser tablets. I’ve found that almost immediately as my plants hit the water (with their new clay pebble medium) the tablet dissolves and can be seen at the bottom of the pond. Which makes me wonder couldn’t I just use a liquid fertiliser (not sure which) straight into the water? I’m assuming these dispersed granules are giving the water some kind of fertilisation but they’re not directly in the Plants any more.
Any thoughts on this?

the other question I had which I don’t think we’ve covered is the addition of the little Solar water fountain which creates a small low rippling kind of affect. Not spraying over the plants  

Is moving water beneficial? somehow I thought it was

 thank you JR your thoughts are greatly appreciated. 

ps I’ll send a pic soon

[MitchellMc]

Hi @gillymrd,

Let me tag @Jewelleryrescue so they are alerted to your reply.

The Osmocote 250g Scotts Water Gardens And Aquatic Plants Controlled Release Fertiliser will gradually dissolve over time, dispersing fertiliser as needed. They are specifically designed for ponds and I wouldn't advise pouring any old liquid fertiliser into the pond as you could risk over-fertilisation and killing the plants. 

Moving water, especially water that is agitated enough to introduce oxygen into the pond, is beneficial, even if it’s just a gentle ripple from a solar fountain. It helps oxygenate the water, which is useful for any aquatic life or beneficial bacteria present. Movement also disrupts algae growth, making it harder for it to take hold compared to stagnant water. Another advantage is mosquito prevention, as mosquitoes prefer still water for laying eggs, and even a slight ripple can make the surface less hospitable.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[gillymrd]

Thanks very much I thought I was replying to @Jewelleryrescue  and tagging @EricL 

Getting used to the app I’ll tag all concerned in future hope to hear from @Jewelleryrescue too

cheers