We haven’t had a very harsh autumn in many parts of the United States, so it’s tempting to put off the yearly pond maintenance of preparing your pond plants for winter – but if you haven’t done so yet – it’s high time to take care of this chore.
It’s a guarantee that cold weather is approaching.
It is important to take the necessary steps to prepare your pond plants for the winter months – sooner rather than later.
- Trim hardy lotus and lilies and then put them in the deepest part of your pond. Use a burlap cover and string for easy removal.
- Other hardy plants (grasses, cattails, and iris) do not need to be trimmed back. You can leave them on the shelf in more temperate areas (ex.: garden zone 7 or above) or put them at the bottom of the pond in colder climates.
- Remove and/or compost tropical oxygenators and floating plants (ex.: lettuce and hyacinths).
- If you have space, you can bring your plants inside. Put them in boxes (or plastic tubs like Tubtrugs) lined with trash bags and place them in your basement. You need to provide them with light and keep them damp. Check on your plants at least once a week.
Winter Quick Check List Reminder:
- Skim your pond weekly to remove leaves and plant matter
- Switch to a spring/fall formulated fish food
- Dose pond water regularly with Laguna Bio Booster until water temperature reaches 50 °F (10 °C)
- Remove, clean and store pond equipment
- Disconnect waterfall
- Install a Pond Heater, De-icer or Aeration Kit
- Prepare your pond plants for the winter – as indicated above.