Maybe you know all gardening requires some degree of on-going maintenance. But do you have any idea on different season's garden maitenance. So let's come to see how to do in details.
WHAT TO DO IN SPRING:
Remove the floating pond de-icer or other device you used tokeep the ice from freezing over during the winter. Reinstall pumps, filters,and lights. Check the water pH with a test kit. The correct pH is between 6.8and 7.4. If necessary, treat the water with a pH adjuster. Clean out leaves andorganic debris that might have accumulated at the bottom over winter.
Moveexisting hardy plants from the bottom of the pond to their proper depth whenthe water temperature is 4°C (40°F). Start feeding fish low proteinfood when the water is 10°C (50°F). At 15°C (60°F) startfertilizing plants with convenient tablets. To maximize growth and bloom,fertilize once a month until September. Add floaters such as annual WaterHyacinth and Water Lettuce as well as new water plants when the watertemperature is 18°C (65°F). This is also a good time to switch to ahigh protein fish food.
WHAT TO DO IN SUMMER:
Thin out plants if the water surface becomes too denselycovered. Simply skim the water for an overabundance of such plants as blanketalgae and duckweed or trim out a few Lily leaves. Remove all faded blooms andyellowed foliage so they can’t decompose in the water. If left, algaewill proliferate and potentially turn the water cloudy and green. Watch forbrown spot on Water Lily and Lotus foliage. If detected, remove infected leavesimmediately and keep the plant growing vigorously by thinning/dividing whennecessary.
Insects that can attack water plants include aphids, WaterLily beetle, China mark moth, and midges. Aphids are the easiest to control byblasting them off foliage with a garden hose. Fish will consume them gladly.Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators. If aphids persist, spray withSafer’s Insecticidal Soap. But use it in moderation if you have fish.China mark moth affects Water Lilies. They cut off a small piece of leaf andform a cocoon on the underside. They can be rubbed off by hand or treated with Bt (Bacillusthuringiensis), a natural and safe form of control.
Leaf-mining midges are small, mosquito-like insects that laytheir eggs on the leaves of aquatic plants. Larvae are transparent and almostinvisible. They tunnel into the leaves and eat the foliage between the veins, leaving visible trails. Remove any leaves that show thesetrails. Water Lily beetles also lay eggs on foliage. When the grubs hatch theymine the leaves. Remove these leaves and hose down the remaining foliage. Infall, be sure to remove the dead stalks of marginal plants as this is wherethey like to overwinter.
WHAT TO DO IN AUTUMN:
In early autumn it’s a good idea to stop fertilizingaquatic plants and to continue removing yellowing or dying foliage. If you have fish, switch to foodthat’s formulated for cooler water temperatures. As leaves on trees andshrubs turn colour and start to drop, cover the whole water garden withprotective black, mesh netting. It will keep leaves from falling into the pond.If leaves are allowed to accumulate in the bottom and decompose there algaewill be a huge problem the following spring. Scoop or vacuum accumulated debrisfrom the bottom before winter. Also, remove pumps and electrical equipment.
Never drain the water. A pre-formed, rigid pool withoutwater can crack or warp due to the freeze/thaw cycle. Or it can heave itselfright out of the ground without the weight of the water to keep it securelyanchored. A water garden formed with liner needs the water to retain its shape,to maintain beneficial bacteria, and to help overwinter hardy plants and fish.Install a pond heater or bubbler to keep an area of water from freezing sooxygen can continue to be available to fish and toxic gases like methane canescape.
