It takes more than just digging a hole, covering it with plastic, and adding water to create a garden pond. There are other factors to take into account, such whether it should contain fish or only plants, how big or tiny it should be, its design, and so forth. You’ll be happy with the results and may proudly stand around with a beer in your hand, applauding your efforts after the fact, so be prepared to dig a decent hole and spend several hours whining about your sore back. Building a garden pond can be a highly fulfilling endeavor for those who have done it.
Step 1 – Decide on where to build your pond.
Naturally, level ground would be ideal because otherwise, leveling yourself would take much more time and work. It is foolish to construct a garden pond below a tree since the roots will spread out over time and may intrude on the pond’s boundaries. A shortage of sunshine, which is necessary for your pond’s life, will also result from the tree’s shade. The pump will require electricity, so being close to an outlet is crucial.
Step 2 – Prefabricated or do-it-yourself liner?
Prefabs are more expensive, but you pay for their simplicity of installation, sturdiness, and low maintenance requirements. There are many price points for liners, and in general, the more you pay, the longer your lining will endure.
Step 3 – Installation
For a prefabricated pond, place it upside down in the space you have allotted, mark the perimeter with 6 to 8 inches more, and then begin digging. If you plan to use liners, when measuring your outline, consider the size of the liner you plan to use. To create a garden pond that will last for many years, it is important to clear the cavity of all waste in order to prevent damage to the pond’s bottom. Add the prefab or lay the lining once the hole has reached the necessary depth and size. Fill the pond with water until it is about one-quarter full so that the weight will hold it in place while you fill in the spaces with soil.
Step 4 – Decoration
You can now add plants, rocks, bark and stone around the ‘banks’ of the pond for a more natural appearance. If you intend to add fish, plants that overhang into the water will be useful as shade and hiding spots.
Step 5 – Add aquatic plants
If you’re building a garden pond that doesn’t have a pump, you should aim for plenty of plant life to keep algae growth under control.
Step 6 – Install a pump and filter
There are numerous versions available, and your retailer can advise you on which size will work best for your pond. It’s normally a straightforward process to submerge the pump in water and connect the hose to it, but read the directions carefully. To force water through the filter first, the filter must be put in front of the pump. One of the things that makes building a garden pond and furnishing it so satisfying is that it should just take a weekend.