Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Planning and Site Selection
• Method 2 of 3: Natural Pond
• Method 3 of 3: Garden Pond
• Tips
• Warnings

The sight of the water brings a sense of serenity to the courtyards and gardens of our homes. If your property does not have a natural source of water, consider creating a pond. Ponds can be both practical and beautiful, and when properly constructed, they provide a habitat for flora and fauna. Read on for how to set up a pond in your backyard.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Planning and Site Selection

1. 1 Decide what kind of pond you want to have. What function will it perform? Think about the features you like the most. The most common types of ponds fall into one of the following categories:
   • A natural pond is perhaps the simplest type of pond you can build. It does not require the use of a pump, so proximity to the power source is not important. The natural pond is built to look like a natural part of the landscape. Since it is not inhabited by fish, it is attractive to frogs, insect larvae, water striders, and other animals that are attracted to water.
   • The garden pond is more decorative in appearance. A garden pond usually has water lily leaves and other aquatic plants and is built to complement the garden design. Artfully placed rocks, small waterfalls and a small number of goldfish are the hallmarks of a garden pond.
2. 2 Choose a location for your pond. Most ponds are best placed in areas that have mixed sun and shade illumination, since this environment allows plants to develop, and the growth of slime inhibits the growth of mud. You can place the pond where you can see it from your window so that you can enjoy the view even on a cold or rainy day.
   • If you decide to create a pond in your backyard, the first thing to do is call the gas and electricity companies and see if your property has gas or electricity lines so you don't have to dig in such places.
   • If you have a large plot of land, other obstacles may arise. Call the Department of Agriculture to see if there are any restrictions on your property, such as watershed protection, ask if there are any other local regulations you need to know and follow when doing land work.
   • Do not select a location too close to trees, as their root systems can be damaged during excavation.
3. 3 Decide what size and depth your pond will have. If you live in a humid region, such as the eastern United States, your pond may be wide and only a meter deep. If you are in an arid region such as the southwestern United States, a shallow pond will evaporate quickly. Do your research to find out what depth makes sense for your area.
   • Large ponds are easier to maintain. They are more stable, so plants and animals have a better chance of survival.
   • Use rope to lay out the shape of your pond and get an idea of ​​its size. Leave it in place to guide you when you start digging.

Method 2 of 3: Natural Pond

1. 1 Dig a pond. A small pond can be dug with an ordinary shovel. Consider the following factors when digging:
   • If you want to promote the growth of fauna, your pond must be deep enough so that it does not freeze in winter. If you are in a region where there is cold weather, you better dig a pond more than a meter deep so that the animals living there can spend the winter.
   • One side of the pond should have a gradual slope, a kind of beach, so that amphibians can emerge from the water onto land. Animals can drown in bodies of water with steep slopes on each side.
   • Put the topsoil in a separate pile.You will need it later when finishing the edges of the pond.
   • It is necessary to remove sharp stones from the pit after the end of the work.
2. 2 Cover the bottom of the pond. First, fill in a layer of sand, fill each gap with it. Then add a layer of biodegradable materials such as newspapers or burlap. Cover this layer with a large piece of special waterproof pond material.
   • You can buy different types of waterproof materials from hardware stores or gardening stores.
3. 3 Fill the pond with water. Use a hose to fill the pond to the brim.
   • You can fill the pond with collected rainwater if you prefer not to use a pump.
   • Trim off any excess waterproof cover placed on the bottom, leaving approximately 12 cm around the edges of the pond.
4. 4 Make a cut in the soil around the edge of the pond. Lift the cover using a shovel and make a 16 cm cut around the entire pond. Insert the shovel a few centimeters into the gap so that it is parallel to the ground and gently lift the grass around the entire gap, creating a kind of patch of turf around the entire pond. Now tuck the edges of the waterproof material into the gap, placing a patch of turf over the top to hide the gap you made. This will give the edge of the pond a "natural" look and the pond becomes a wildlife spot in your backyard.
5. 5 Add water from a local natural reservoir. Get some empty milk cans or similar containers. Find a natural pond that is several years old. Fill containers with water from this pond, being careful not to catch fish. Add this water to your pond. It contains bacteria and microscopic animals that will help your pond become a natural body of water.
6. 6 Watch your pond go wild. Your pond will change over time, attracting bugs and other creatures, and a nutrient base will develop in it.
   • Don't mow the area around your pond, let the wild grass grow.
   • Do not put fish in the pond for several years. Their presence will discourage the attraction of frogs, snails and other life forms.
   • Create a muddy pond bottom by dropping the topsoil back into the pond. You can plant reeds and other natural aquatic plants such as water lilies to help stimulate the development of other life forms.

Method 3 of 3: Garden Pond

1. 1 Dig a pond. A garden pond often has multiple levels to accommodate a waterfall and provide space for a pump. If you decide to install electrical appliances, the pond should be located close enough to your home to have access to electricity. Use a shovel to dig a large hole depending on the size and depth you choose.
   • If you plan to install a pump, dig a second hole about 25cm in the center of the pond.
   • Create a second level (step) to accommodate aquatic plants by creating a niche around the perimeter of the pond.
   • You can purchase a preformed plastic pond mold from your garden store. These shapes are often bean-shaped and multi-layered. If you are using a pre-formed pond, adjust the size of the hole you dug to fit the shape.
2. 2 Cover the bottom of the pond. First, fill in a layer of sand, fill each gap with it. Then add a layer of biodegradable materials such as newspapers or burlap. Cover this layer with a large piece of special waterproof pond material. The waterproof material should cover the entire bottom of the pond and the edges around it.
3. 3 Install the pump and other devices. If you decide to install a pump, install it in the center of the pond in a hole 25 cm deep so that the hose extends to the surface of the pond. You can also install a filter or skimmer. Check with the manufacturers of these devices for detailed instructions on how to install them.
4. 4 Decorate the edges of the pond. Trim the protruding edges of the waterproof material so that it overlaps the edge of the pond by about 12 cm. Dig a shallow shelf to insert the edges of the bottom lining, then press down the edges of the material around the perimeter with heavy flat stones. River stones are well suited for this purpose.
   • The stones should be buried a few centimeters into the ground so that they are flush with the surface of the reservoir when it is filled with water.
   • If the stones are large and heavy, then there is no need to tie them up with mortar. If you are using small, lightweight rocks, you can use grout to prevent them from falling out when people are standing at the edge of the pond.
   • If you decide to make a waterfall, it will be very beautiful if you surround it with stones.
   • Be creative: you can create different designs with stones, or use stones of different shapes, sizes and colors to create accents in the garden.
5. 5 Fill the pond with water. Use a hose to fill the pond with water, fill the pond until the water level reaches the edge. Check the pump and other electrical devices you have installed to make sure they are working properly.
6. 6 Creation of a water garden. Plant water lilies, reeds, and other aquatic plants in the pond. Each plant has individual requirements, so make sure the environment you create is suitable for the plants you choose. For example, some plants do not like the movement of water, so they should not be located in the flow of water from a waterfall.
7. 7 Add some goldfish. Buy some goldfish from the pet store and run them into the pond. See what kind of aquatic plants they coexist well with. Don't add too many fish to your pond; they can harm aquatic plants.
   • If you find the right balance between plants and fish, you won't need to install a filter in your pond. But if you have a lot of fish in your pond, then you may want to consider installing a filter to get rid of their waste.
   • Koi are different from goldfish and require a specific type of pond. (see additional information)

Tips

• Water hyacinths planted in a pond are excellent at removing excess nutrients from the water, due to which the ooze grows in the pond, therefore, hyacinths help to keep the water clear.
• Do not put fish in your pond until your pond water temperature and water pH have stabilized for a few days.
• Check with your local plant nursery to purchase aquatic plants, statues, and fountains for your pond.
• Populating a pond with fish will not contribute to the development of other life forms; fish will eat frogs, toads, newts, so it is important to immediately decide what type of pond you want to get.

Warnings

• Check local laws and regulations regarding pond safety. In some regions, authorities require that bodies of water above a certain depth be fenced.
• When buying pond plants, make sure they are not poisonous to fish or other animals living in the pond.