Winter doesn’t seem to want to leave us, and it’s not just us humans who have to deal with sub-zero temperatures. This time of year is also a special challenge for plants and other living things. This makes it all the more important that we prepare our gardens in time for winter. Having dealt with this topic in general in our last article, we would now like to take a closer look at a special part of the garden – the pond. It is not only because of the fish that it needs special care for the winter. We will advise you on how to deal with the plants and which technical aids will help you with winter pond care. We also have some interesting tips on how to create a beautiful atmosphere around your pond in this cold months.
What do I do with my pond when temperature drops?
As beautiful as the plants in your pond are in summer, not many of them have a chance to survive in winter. For some plants, such as the hardy water lily, you don’t need to do anything other than ensure that they stay in the deep zones of the pond. Other plants, such as tropical mud plants or exotic plants, should now be moved to a greenhouse. Native reeds and shore plants need to be cut back and can therefore wait for the new spring. It is important for the pond that there are no dead plants left in the water that could pollute the water. These can be removed with a pond cleaning tool. Any plant debris that has accumulated on the bottom of the pond during the summer should be removed as it could cause rotting gases to form. This can be harmful to the health of the fish.
Water electronics
Technical equipment such as pumps or filters located inside or outside the pond should also be removed. During the winter months, water in the pipes can freeze or damage electronics. Therefore, it is better to store pond equipment in a warm place. The pond is frost-proof from a depth of at least 80 cm, so submersible pumps lowered to this depth are safe. However, no equipment should be used in the pond in winter, so that the fish are not disturbed by noise and vibration during hibernation.
How to overwinter fish in a garden pond
If you have fish in your pond, you can leave them in it, as long as it is large enough not to freeze over completely. Fish are cold-blooded animals that go into hibernation in autumn and winter. In late autumn, when it starts to get colder, the fish retreat to the deepest part of the pond and overwinter there until it warms up again in spring. The pond inhabitants must not be disturbed in any way during the freezing period, as this could have a negative effect on their health. Therefore, avoid vibrating the water. This can occur, for example, by breaking through a frozen layer of ice or by falling stones.
You can stop feeding them without worrying. They do not need any food during hibernation. Therefore, in temperatures below 1 degree, feeding should be limited to once or twice a week. This is simply because fish lower their body temperature when the ambient temperature drops. This also slows down their metabolism and digestion. In autumn, reduce feeding until you find that food remains on the water surface. Now you can stop feeding them altogether.
How to make a garden pond an eye-catcher in winter?
Many people fear that a winter-proof garden will look dull, gloomy, and uninviting. But with a few decorative tricks, you can ensure that your pond and its surroundings are a real eye-catcher in winter. A garden pond offers many great ways to create a beautiful atmosphere in your garden even in the cold season. For example, a birdhouse is not only very useful for providing food for birds in winter, but also serves as a real attraction in the immediate vicinity of the pond.
Use hardy plants, fir branches and pinecones to add some colour and winter greenery to the pond. Combine the plants with a few LED lights. Weatherproof fairy lights also help create the pond’s magical light.
An overview of the most important measures for pond care in winter
- Remove dead plant parts and frost-sensitive plants
- Remove pumps and filters and store them in a warm place
- Install de-icers to protect the fish
- Avoid pressure waves and unnecessary stress on fish
- Stop feeding fish
If you are unable to take care of your garden yourself in winter, contact us! We will be happy to help you!