While our forecast is showing a typical spring mix of sunshine with a chance of snow, now is still the perfect time to start planning and executing your spring pond maintenance. The ambiance of sitting by a soothing water garden is good for the soul, but first, there are a few key things you have to consider this spring when planning your upcoming pond maintenance—and yes, you may have to get your hands a bit dirty (also good for the soul).
Here’s a spring pond maintenance checklist to get you started, but if all of this is too overwhelming and you want to keep your hands clean and dry, then consider looking to our pro pond experts for help; they have all the know-how to create and maintain your pond from spring through to the snowy winter months.
This is your first order of business. Last fall and winter deposited debris that needs to be removed, especially if you didn’t use a leaf net last year. Do not remove more than 50% of the existing pond water, but give the liner a thorough scrub. (This also allows you to inspect the liner for any needed repairs).
If you have a larger pond with overwintering fish, it is not recommended to fully drain for spring maintenance. Rather, I suggest our pond cleaning concentrates; they are safe for fish, plants, and pets; plus, they contain the exact concentration of beneficial bacteria and enzymes your spring pond needs to refresh and break down all of the unwanted organic debris.
Sometimes, it can be easier to move your fish into a holding tank while you perform this spring clean.
Now that you have completed the muckier spring pond maintenance tasks, it’s a great time to add some fresh, clean water. If you have fish, don’t forget to dechlorinate every time you add water. To set your pond water up for success, add a product like Microbe-Lift to help populate the pond with beneficial bacteria. I also strongly recommend an awesome product called Barley Straw Extract; the product turns the water a natural-looking tea colour that brilliantly protects the water from UVA and UVB rays, stopping algae growth before it starts.
Your pond pump should have been running all winter, but if it hasn’t get it running ASAP! If the pump is looking dingy, go ahead and remove it for its annual or bi-annual clean, then get it back into your pond as soon as you can. I also recommend cleaning the pond filters or replacing them, ensuring everything is scrubbed and running smoothly. Once you’ve cleaned up the filters, the beneficial bacteria in the Microbe-Lift will help to quickly recolonize them with healthy microorganisms.
Fish don’t need much maintenance in the winter months as they go into dormancy, but once the spring weather warms up the pond water, the fish wake up and are ready to eat! However, don’t jump the gun on this—delay feeding until your water temperatures are between 11-12˚C. Otherwise, your fishes’ digestive systems won’t be as functional as their appetite, which can be dangerous for their health. Start by offering cold-water fish food, which is easier for them to digest while their systems are still a little sluggish. As the weather warms up later into the spring, switch to a colour-enhancing fish food to help bring out the beauty of their scales.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to adorn your spring pond with the appealing aesthetic of aquatics. Spring planting should always be a part of your pond maintenance routine as it allows plenty of time for your new aquatic plants to become established. Plus, aquatic plants provide oxygen, nutrients, and natural filtration for your spring pond. Here are some easy-care aquatic plants that are hardy or native to our region:
May I also suggest, as an extra precaution, a good thorough cleaning of your new and existing plants before placing them in your pond. Yes, cleaning plants may seem silly, but it avoids the addition or infestation of any unwelcome critters and soil into your pristine water garden.
Now is also the perfect time to repot your existing water plants with an appropriate Water Garden Soil Mix. Not just any soil will work for your pond; organic matter floats, peat moss is not appropriate for water gardens, and anything that can change the pH of the water is a recipe for an algae bloom.
Once your spring pond maintenance is complete, it’s time for some fun stuff. To add that final pièce de résistance, I also suggest the addition of a few extra water garden features, such as:
All of these additions take your water garden to a new level, adding even more aesthetic appeal and increased home value to an already beautiful landscape. Now that all the spring pond maintenance is complete, it’s a well-deserved time to grab a glass of Pinot and enjoy the soothing sound of water. Maybe even dip your toes in if our weather cooperates!
