Fall and winter water Garden

ü      The pond should be netted to avoid leaves in the fall.

ü      Prune any plants that have been damaged by frost.

ü      Remove all annuals, water lettuce, hyacinths etc.

ü      Hardy marginals should be lowered just below the ice line.

ü      Tropical marginals must be brought indoors.

ü      Fish will eat heavily at the end of the summer to save up energy for the winter.

ü      Use an autumn fish food in the fall and stop feeding when the pond water is below 50 degrees.

ü      Remove all filters pumps and tubing that can freeze over the winter.

ü      UV lamps can be removed as early as September depending on water temperature NEVER LEAVE YOUR UV LAMP OUT IN THE WINTER!

ü      All decaying leaves and other organic material should be removed prior to winter.

ü      A hole must be maintained in the ice over the winter to allow gasses to escape.

ü      Use a small pond pump propped up near the water surface (don’t pump from the bottom as this will super cool the water and could harm your fish) to create a splash this should maintain a hole in the ice for the majority of winter.  When the pump can no longer keep a hole in the ice use a pond de-icer.

ü      When you store your filter and uv lamp for the winter leave it damp in a sealed bag in a heated garage or other cool place this will keep your rubber seals and foam from drying out.

Do not:  Allow your pond to ice over, Allow your pump, filter, uv lamp, or tubing to freeze. Feed your fish all winter. Bang on the ice to make a hole.  Pump water from the bottom of the pond.

Do: Keep a hole in the ice all winter long.

Click here for some useful formulas to better care for your pond.