Time to Wake Up Your Water Garden Pond

If your pond has been hibernating, it is time to wake it up.  Begin by manually scooping out as much debris from your pond as possible.  Use a pond vacuum if you have one.  Natural bacteria and enzyme products will help with the clean up effort.  If your pump has been off, then be sure to get it running again.  It is important to give your filter media a thorough cleaning prior to starting the system.  Begin testing the pond water again.  Pay particular attention to the ammonia and nitrite levels…both should be zero.  It will be necessary to perform partial water changes if either test gives a reading other than zero.  This is also a good time to begin fertilizing pond plants.  It may be necessary to divide some of these plants.  If they are too crowded in their pots, their growth and flowering potential will be limited.  A little care today will bring maximum benefit later!