"Pond"-ering

Now that summer is nigh, people are thinking about their ponds.  Here at Whitman's, we have a well-stocked pond department, and a knowledgeable staff to help you out.  Here are some words of wisdom from Sandy Edwards on a common pond problem:  algae.

If you haven't treated your pond for algae, try adding barley straw extract or pellets now.  Blue dye does a fantastic job with algae also.  Or ... why not be proactive and use barley straw or blue dye in early spring, as soon as you have a hole in the ice?  You can also add barley straw in the fall and let it "work" all winter.

How do these products work?  When barley straw starts to degrade, it gives off a toxin that kills the algae but is safe for your fish and plants - people and animals, too.  The blue dye blocks the sunlight that the algae requires for survival.  This is also non-toxic to humans, pond plants and animals.

Pond fish are another way to control algae. Koi love to eat it; Pond Comets and other goldfish consume algae, and will cheerfully eat mosquito larvae as well.  They also add beauty and character to a pond.  Just remember that they can get pretty big, and if you have a pond that freezes solid in winter, they'll need alternative living quarters. Ours spend the winter upstairs in the tack shop, in a 150 gallon livestock water tank.

The very best way to control algae naturally is with plants.  By covering 75% of the pond surface with floating plants like water lillies, you'll create a physical barrier to block the sunlight the algae needs and add beauty to your pond.  Water hyacinths love sunny spots, and water lettuce likes shady areas; both multiply rapidly.  You can keep them in check by stretching a piece of fishing like across to define their boundaries.  If you have any questions on pond maintenance, you can give me a call at 802-442-2851, or 800-521-2705.