What should we do to our pond before the ice and snow starts to accumulate?
Looking at one item to prepare the pond for winter and benefit from next spring is weeding the pond, I know it sounds weird because we weed a garden not a pond.
Weeding the pond is simply removing the mass amount of plants that will die during winter and end up in the pond turning into nutrients, more muck build up and grow even more weeds next year.
Starting with emergent plants such as cattails, the best way is to cut below the water level. If the pond is still low from summer evaporation or slow leak this will be a little easier to cut rather than cutting under the water. The reason for cutting them below the water surface is to reduce the growth rate next year as they cannot consume oxygen being under the water surface. The most important part is to get the main stalk and seed pod out and away from the water.
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I’ve put an aerator in our 16 ft deep, half acre pond and have been adding bacteria packets at 2 wk intervals. The results are fantastic and have completely eliminated the watermeal that once covered the pond. Does one have to continue adding bacteria or does it become self sustaining. I can understand why one might need to add it each Spring if it dies out during the winter. Really appreciate your e-mails pointing to pond tips.
HI Rick, Thank you for your appreciation of the emails, glad they have help.
Yes this is a continuous process of adding the bacteria because it doe dye off even in the summer so the bi-weekly application is required.
For one aspect think about the fish, they are always eating and making waste, incoming water brings in more fertilizing nutrients and so on.
We have a new product line for bacteria and even a 1/2 acre kit at WhatPond Private Pond Supplies
Glad everything is working out for you, keep up the good work.
Darrell