Water Gardening For Beginners

Getting started in water gardening is as easy as 1-2-3.  Yea, right you are saying, but 'trust us' it really is.  If you'll just back away from the TV for one weekend (but not superbowl weekend of course), you can have a beautiful water feature in your yard!  Follow the three steps below and you will surely find water gardening success!

Step 1.)  This step consists of planning and laying out your pond.  Start by selecting a spot in your yard where you want the pond to be placed, and of course the size of the pond.  Contact your local utility companies and have them mark where their buried lines are in your yard. Keep in mind slopes and run-off of your yard when deciding where this will be. Also keep in mind the upkeep and how much time and money you are willing to spend on this venture. Once you have the site selected, place a length of garden hose on the ground in the shape you would like your pond.  This gives you the option of stepping back and looking at things before you actually get started. 

Step 2.)  Here's where the real work begins.  DIGGING!  But, remember before any digging takes place make sure you have contacted your local utility companies to find out where their lines are in connection with your site. A good rule of thumb on depth is about 3'.  Minimum depth is 18".  Of course, the size and shape of the ponds diameter is only limited by your imagination and brute strength!  Or that of your neighbors! Once the digging is complete clear all rocks, roots and debris out of the way.  You are now ready for step 3!

Step 3.)  The last step already! This is where you select liner, filter, pump, plants, fish and everything else you might want in your water garden. To calculate liner size, figure out the length and width, depth of your pond and multiply (LxWxD), adding an extra foot for overlap on each side. This should give you your liner specifications. It is also a good idea to put down an underlayment (a felt like material), in your pond to protect your liner from any unknown objects that may poke or puncture it.

Filters & Pumps...

When deciding on a filter always keep in mind the size of your pond. You want a filter that is designed for the maximum gallon size of your pond.  If you have a 1000 gallon pond you will obviously need a filter designed to handle a 1000 gallon pond. To figure gallons just multiply length x depth x width x 7.5.  (L x D x W x 7.5)  Your pump, on the other hand is different.  Optimum circulation for your pond is to circulate your entire pond volume every hour and half to two hours.  For example, if you have a 1000 gallon pond, then you would need to buy a pump that circulates between 500-750 gallons per hour.  Don't skimp or try to go cheap on your filter and pump.  You'll just regret it in the long run.

Plants...

Plants are entirely up to you, but remember, some are tropical, some are for shade, and some require special depths for them to grow well.  Consult one of our pond professionals about plants and any other questions you may have about your pond.

Fish...

Fish, again are up to you.  In most cases, people who take the time to build a pond want the added benefit of having fish.  Keep in mind that fish require some additional care and also inquire on the capacity of your pond in relation to how many fish you can have.