Creating your Own Container Garden or Patio Pond

You do not need a huge pond dug into the ground to have yourself a water garden. Container Ponds, or Patio Ponds, have become very popular lately. 

Steps in Creating your Very Own Container Garden/Patio Pond: 

1.) Find the Right Container 

This is where you can get very creative with what you use as the container for your pond. As long as it holds water, and is a nonreactive surface, then it will work great for your container pond! 

Stay away from using wood as it can hold bacteria that would be harmful to your fish and plants. If you are worried about the material of your container, you can always seal it so that it will be safe for your plants and fish. 

2.) Fill your Container with Water 

Once you have added your water to your container, consider using Pond Basics Pond Water Conditioner. Water Conditioner makes tap water safe and protects your fish and plants from the dangers of chlorine exposure and heavy metal toxicity in new and established ponds. 

3.) Add Pond Plants into your Container Pond 

Choose a variety of marginals, bog plants, floating plants and maybe even a water lily to your new container pond. Alternating plant heights will add nice dimension. 

Remember; Floaters like water hyacinth and water lettuce will help reduce algae. Bog plants and certain marginals will help with naturally filtering your water, helping to keep the water clear. Deep-water plants like water lilies and lotus will need at least a foot of water above their roots. So, if you choose deep-water plants make sure you have the proper container size. 

Plants are very important in creating your water garden. There are many different varieties that have different growing habits and water depth requirements. Be sure to research and make sure your container is big enough, or shallow enough, for the pond plants you choose. 

4.) Add any Desired Rocks, Pebbles or Gravel to the Bottom of your Container 

This is an optional step. Rocks, pebbles or gravel can be added to the bottom of your container for a more natural look and feel. 

5.) Add a Spitter, Pump or Small Fountain 

This is also optional, but highly recommended. Setting up a spitter, pump or even a small fountain will circulate your water, create the comforting sound of running water and adds a decorative and fun flare while adding aeration to your water. This will help in keeping your water clear and your eco-system happy. 

6.) Adding Fish to your Container Pond 

Now you might want to add fish in your container pond. This can be done but be prepared for more work and maintenance. The general rule is to allow only one to two inches of fish length for every square foot of water surface. 

When choosing your pond fish, consider smaller gold fish or Gambusia (mosquito fish). Gambusia will eat mosquito larvae! Remember, fish will grow and multiply, so you will need to keep the size of your container in mind if you are wanting to have fish in your container pond. Fish will also contribute to the amount of algae accumulated in your container pond over time. 

Here is Aquascape’s take on Patio Ponds: 

Aquascape Patio Ponds are available for purchase at our Garden Center! They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. We also have other decorative containers and bowls that can be used for patio ponds.