Give your pond a spring clean

1 min read

What to do THIS WEEK

JOB OF THE WEEK

It’ll help keep the water clear and the plants healthy

Meet the team

Every week our team of experts guide you through what can be done in the garden now.

**Ian Hodgson** Kew-trained garden designer Ian enjoys all aspects of gardening and grows unusual plants.

**Karen Murphy** An all-round gardener, Karen grows fruit, veg and ornamentals and loves wildlife.

**Geoff Stebbings** Geoff trained at Kew and is a general horticulturist, author and former head gardener.

**Rob Smith** Television and social media star Rob is also a seed guardian for the Heritage Seed Library.

**Karen Gimson** Garden designer and home cook Karen talks on BBC Radio Leicester about fruit, veg and flowers.

**Naomi Slade** Naomi is a journalist, and author, as well as an award-winning garden designer and environmentalist.

**Debi Holland** RHS-trained horticulturist and professional gardener Debi has a passion for plants, wildlife and nature.

Inevitably, ponds will be covered in fallen leaves at this time of year. Skim the surface with a net and remove them before they sink to the bottom.

Decomposing organic waste produces nutrients which can upset a pond’s equilibrium and send algae into overdrive.

Silt and decaying material accumulate over time, so run a fine mesh net along the bottom to gently remove it.

Some aquatic plants grow vigorously; thin out invasive culprits to allow light to penetrate the water and ensure the surface isn’t saturated by foliage. Lack of oxygen in the water causes a build up of other gases, some toxic to fish, so act now if your pond smells of rotting eggs!

This article is from...

Garden News Magazine

5 March 2024

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