Transplant Hardy Water lilies and other marginal plants to larger pots using aquatic soil and aquatic fertilizer tabs. Hardy marginal plants, water iris, marsh marigold will be among the first to use any excess nutrients in the water. Clean pond, vacuum debris from bottom, do 30% water change. Divide marginal plants; try planting companion plants in large pots. Start pump and filter as soon as ice has left pond. Begin feeding fish once or twice weekly with an immune stimulation food when water is consistently above 55°. Add pond salt and install fresh barley straw to prevent string algae.

Introduce oxygenating plants when water temp is above 55°. Hornwort and Anacharis are great oxygenating plants. After last frost, duckweed and azolla can be added. After water temp is above 60° add water hyacinth, water lettuce, parrots feather. Add barley bale if haven't done so yet. Water changes of 20% or less every few weeks maintain water quality. When adding new fish, try to keep the population at or below 4 inches per 1 gallon of water. When cleaning sponge filters use pond water as tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria.

Increase fish feeding as they become more active during warm weather months. If fish are rooting in plants, try covering with more pebbles or feeding watermelon as a snack. If pond water hasn't cleared yet, add more submerged plants and water hyacinths. Once water temperature is 70°, fertilize water lilies biweekly with aquatic tabs. When water temp is consistently 68°-70°, add tropical lilies. Snails can scavenge and help clean your pond. Add up to 1 per every 3 sq. ft. A UV sterilizer can clear your water overnight and kill parasites.

Feed fish 2 - 3 times daily for maximum growth and color. Make sure fish have shady area, 2/3 coverage of pond surface is best. Some pruning is now necessary. Remove decaying leaves and spent blooms. Check for leaves and debris falling into pond.

Aeration may be enhanced by adding a fountain or waterfall. Always use a dechlorinator if adding any tap water to your pond. If plants are taking over surface, thin out to avoid oxygen depletion. If fish are eating floating plants roots too aggressively use a floating ring protector. If you are having a problem with water clarity now you probably need more plants. To keep oxygen levels high, run an air pump or bubbler at night.

When water temp is 60° or below, begin feeding food that contains wheat germ. Tropical Lilies are still putting on a spectacular show, remember to remove spent flowers. Cover pond with pond netting to catch falling leaves. Now is a great time to make an addition to your pond. Just prior to the first frost, discard water hyacinths, water lettuce, and cat's tongue to your compost. Check filter for clogging, rinse in a pail of pond water.

Reduce feeding to once or twice weekly for over wintering fish. When hardy lily leaves become scarce, cut back stems to 4” and lower to 3 foot level. To prevent spring problems remove all fallen leaves and clean bottom debris. Bring tropical marginal plants in well before frost. Use deep saucers to set pots in. Set pond deicer or aerator. Raise pump to within 6" of surface, or use an air pump to aerate water near surface to prevent ice. Visit our complete winterization page.

Clean and vacuum debris from bottom of pond. UV Sterilizers and external pond filters should be moved indoors for winter. Shallow ponds which are not kept running should have pump removed and stored in a pail of water. Stop feeding fish when bottom water drops below 55°. Always net off uneaten food. Add Pond Salt. Remove all plants from ponds that will freeze completely over. Periodically check plants stored in cold room to ensure they stay moist. Never allow tropical marginals to dry out. Prune back winter growth. Visit our complete winterization page.