How To Make An Above-Ground Pond That Attracts All Types Of Wildlife
Ponds are more than just a body of water where plants and fishes can get along; they are great focal points in any garden or patio area. They look good and attract tons of wildlife like fish, birds, frogs, and squirrels. However, if you don't have the space or will to deal with excavations to build a below-ground pond, going for an above-ground pond can be your best choice. It will allow you to plant lilies, lettuce, umbrella palms, and arrowhead to make the pond look good like any other type of pond does.
Whether you know them as above-ground ponds or ponds-in-a-pot, they make a great landscape feature. In addition, they are easy to clean, reach, and deal with when moving them around. On top of that, they're cheap if you choose your materials wisely. If you love plants and animals and have an outdoor area that could get improved with a little renovation, consider one of these ponds. We'll show an easy step-by-step to build it yourself.
An easy step by step
Before starting the project, you'll need to gather some materials; the basics are a container and some liner to hold the water inside. Then, you'll have to choose what you'd like to put inside the pond, like plants, a water pump to filter the water, fishes, and decorative rocks or pebbles to achieve the desired look.
Once you have everything, it's time to put it all together. First, choose exactly where you want to put the pond-in-a-pot to avoid carrying the water weight around. Second, put the liner inside the container and add some rocks at the bottom. Doing this will provide the water with good bacteria for fish and plants to thrive while allowing plants something to hold to.
Third, fill your container with enough water to top it up and place your water pump inside. If you're not using a pump, planting oxygenator plants is a must; these will provide enough oxygen to the water to keep it in good condition. Finally, place your floating plants and put your goldfish or koi fish inside to complete the project. Let them sit under shade for a few minutes to get used to the new environment, and feed them regularly while the bottom of the pond develops enough algae for them to feed from.
Maintenance tips to have in mind
Whether you buy or build an above-ground pond, having some building and maintenance tips in mind is essential. First, choose a container at least 6 inches deep that can hold water without breaking; barrels, buckets, and even tubs are fine. Another great choice is using a liner to hold the water in place if you prefer building bigger ponds.
Then, consider investing in a fountain or plant fanwort or arrowhead to make the water safer for fish without letting it go stagnant, which can cause mosquito infestation. In addition, maintaining your water levels up is crucial to avoid problems due to evaporation in the summer. Also, keeping the water clean and debris-free will make fish thrive without issue in your above-ground pond.
Regardless of the type of container or size you choose, DIYing a pond-in-a-pot is always a great addition to any landscape. If you are still considering having your little plants/animals reservoir, it's time to take out some old buckets, water, and plants to build yours.