How Do You Winterize A Garden Pond?
Every pond owner must learn to winterize her garden pond properly, to keep the pond’s ecosystem healthy and the pond equipment from damage. This is especially important for backyard ponds in cold Northern climates. At the first sign of frost, or in November for warmer zones, begin to winterize your garden pond. Remove excess oxygenators from the pond. These are plants that provide oxygen and act as biofilters. According to “The Practical Rock & Water Garden,” thinning them out prevents rot, and the resulting unsafe environment for fish. Pluck them out by hand or scoop them out with a pool skimmer. Compost them or overwinter them. Remove nonhardy water plants, such as tropical water lilies. Place in a water-filled tub or an aquarium, and bring them indoors under artificial lights. The Iowa State University Extension suggests they need light for about 12 to 18 hours a day to keep them alive but not growing. Do not feed them. Cut back hardy water plants and place them on the bottom of the
