|
|
|
| What do we do with our fish and the pond for the winter? It is the question we hear asked the most. As long as there is some area of the pond at 24" the pond will not freeze solid in Southern Ontario. For lots more information visit the professionals at www.aquascapedesigns.com 1. Tending to the plants is the first order immediately following the first frost. The hardier plants should be pruned approximately 3" above the pot and then lower them into the deepest part of the pond. As long as they remain below the ice level they should be just fine next spring. Tropical plants should be moved inside for the winter. A barrel or small rigid patio pond can be used for this application. 2. Some tropical plants such as hyacinth and water lettuce should be discarded. 3. Decaying plant matter needs to be removed from the pond. Leaves from trees will decay releasing toxic gases that can be trapped by the ice and cause harm to the fish in your pond. A net skimmer works great for removing the bulk of this debris. In early October you may want to consider a pond net to prevent the falling leaves from entering your pond. (But remember to remove it before the ice freezes for the winter so as to prevent the fish from getting caught in it). Now is also the time to remove and replace about 25% of the existing water in the pond. 4. Remove any decorative fountain heads from the water as well as any filter systems that may freeze up. It is a good idea to leave some water circulation in effect. This could be your main waterfall pump or a smaller pump with the fountain head removed and placed so the top is 6" below the surface. This will agitate the water and keep a small area clear of ice. If no pump is used then the use of a floating Ice Guard or pond heater can be utilized to keep a small opening from freezing. 5. When the temperature becomes less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit you should stop feeding the fish. They are not able to digest food at cooler temperatures and even though they act hungry you should not feed them. 6. Ponds can be beautiful during the winter months and enjoyed from inside the house. Don't worry ... the fish will live and spring will come soon enough! Some hints we have received that seem worth passing along. If you leave the main fountain pump running for the winter .. place the pump inside a pot (one without holes in the bottom) that is placed in the pond. This helps prevent leaves from becoming stuck to the pump and also stops the pump from taking water directly off the bottom of the pond. If you have a large Cyprus grass or Nile grass plant that you do not plan on winterizing then leave it in the water. The porous reed allows gases to migrate from the pond. If you have any great winter tips please pass them along! to capbrick@msn.com |
|
|