soil for ponds

Compost - Use a heavy loam which won't float to the surface of the pond. You can buy specialist aquatic compost or use heavy garden soil, provided that it is free from fertilisers and contaminants such as herbicide.

1. What type of soil is good for ponds?
2. Do you put soil in a pond?
3. Can you build a pond in sandy soil?
4. What do you put at the bottom of a pond?
5. How deep can you dig a pond?
6. Should ponds be in the sun or shade?
7. Can I fill a wildlife pond with tap water?
8. Should I put stones in the bottom of my pond?

What type of soil is good for ponds?

A mix of these clayey-loam soils are the best soils for pond building as they hold water well and the nutrients help to make the water green with food. So-called black cotton soils hold water in the pond better than laterite, brown and grey soils which let water through all of these soils are not very productive.

Do you put soil in a pond?

Putting your pond plants in special aquatic baskets is better than adding a layer of soil all over the bottom of pond. Too much soil creates an excess of nutrients, which can encourage algae. ... Shrubs and other ornamental plants can provide valuable cover and food for wildlife, especially for birds.

Can you build a pond in sandy soil?

Sandy soils can be a blessing in pond construction, allowing for easier digging, forming of basins, and laying of conduits for water and electricity, and providing quick drainage of misplaced water. If you've ever dug holes in both hard and soft soils you'll agree.

What do you put at the bottom of a pond?

Q. Should I put rocks or gravel at the bottom of the pond?

1. Makes the bottom of the pond look natural and hides the liner material.
2. Creates biological environment for beneficial bacteria to break down organic sludge.
3. Rocks and gravel provide media for aquatic plants to attach their roots.

How deep can you dig a pond?

Having most of a ponds depth between 10-12 feet is ideal. The ideal average water depth is 8 feet. Some people love beach areas. Just make sure you are prepared to treat these areas for weeds and algae.

Should ponds be in the sun or shade?

It's generally advisable to build a pond in a sunny spot. You can, however, site a pond in an area that is in shade for part of the day, or sits in dappled shade. It's not a good idea to put a pond in a very shady area, as it will become stagnant – the plants that supply oxygen to the water will need some sunlight.

Can I fill a wildlife pond with tap water?

Water worries: Ponds can be filled with tap-water that has been treated first. Tap- water contains chlorine or chloramines, both of which are harmful to amphibians. Chlorine will naturally dissipate over time but chloramines need to be removed (inexpensive products are available).

Should I put stones in the bottom of my pond?

Although some people are concerned that pebbles will make their pond harder to clean, putting pebbles on the bottom of a garden pond actually helps to keep the pond's water clean. Pebbles trap sediment, keeping it from floating in the pond, and they provide a surface on which beneficial bacteria can grow.