The sound and sight of water make backyards and gardens peaceful.You can build a pond if you don't have a natural source of water.A properly constructed pond can be just as useful as a beautiful one.Instructions on how to build a garden pond or a wildlife pond can be found here.
Step 1: Decide what kind of pond you want.
What will it do?As you begin constructing plans, think about the features you enjoy the most.The most common backyard ponds are in one of the following categories.The easiest type of pond to build is a wildlife pond.It doesn't need a pump because it's close to a source of electricity.A wildlife pond looks like a natural part of the landscape.It is attractive to animals that may come to it to have a drink or bathe, because it isn't stocked with fish.A garden pond has a more ornamental appearance.A garden pond is usually built to complement the design of the garden.Some of the features of garden ponds are artistically arranged stones, small pump-based waterfalls, and a few goldfish.
Step 2: Pick a location for your pond.
The best spots for ponds to be found are those that get mixed sun and shade and allow plants to grow.It's a good idea to locate the pond in a place you can see from your home in the winter or rainy season.If you want to build a pond in the backyard, the first thing you should do is call your gas and electric company and ask them to mark the locations of your lines so you don't dig in those spots.Other considerations may be involved if you have a larger property.Call the Department of Agriculture to find out if there are places on your property that are protected from development.You may damage the root systems of the trees if you choose a spot too close to them.
Step 3: Take into account the size and depth of the pond.
If you live in the eastern United States, your pond can be just a few feet wide and deep.A shallow pond will evaporate quickly if you are in the southwest region of the US.To find out what depth makes sense for your region, conduct research.It is easier to maintain larger ponds.Plants and other wildlife have a better chance of survival because they are more stable.To get a sense of the size of your pond, use a rope to lay out the shape.As you dig, keep it in place.
Step 4: The pond needs to be dug.
For a small pond, digging with a shovel is enough.How hard this is will be determined by the composition of your soil.You may need to hire a crew to dig in the rocky soil.Sandy loam is easy to dig out on your own.Since you want to facilitate the growth of wildlife, your pond should be deep enough that it won't freeze over the winter.You should dig the pond several feet deep if you are in an area that gets cold.Animals that wander in will be able to make their way out if one side of the pond has a gradual slope.Animals can drown in ponds with steep cliffs.As you dig, place the topsoil in a pile.When you get to the pond, you will use this.When you are done digging, remove the rocks from the hole.
Step 5: Line the water.
Make sure to line the pond with a layer of sand.There is a layer of man-made materials.You can use newspapers, but they may rot in time, leaving you with no protection other than the sand.The liner may be damaged by stones if they force their way up through the sand layer.Consider non-biodegradable material as an option.If you put this layer down, cover it with a large piece of waterproof pond liner.At home improvement stores and garden stores, there are different types of waterproof pond liners.
Step 6: The pond should be filled.
Make sure to stop the pond before it overflows by filling it with a hose.If you don't want to use pumped water, you can fill the pond with collected rain water.The liner should be trimmed back to about eight to ten inches.
Step 7: There is a slit around the edge of the pond.
Lift back the pond liner and use a spade to cut a 6-inch slit into the earth around the entire pond.Place the spade a few inches into the slit, maneuver it so it is parallel to the ground, and gently lift the grass around the entire slit.Take the edge of the pond liner and tuck it into the slit, replacing the grass flap over the top to hide it.The natural edge of the pond will be inviting to the wildlife in your area.
Step 8: Water can be added from a local pond.
Take empty milk gallons and other containers to the pond.A natural pond that has been there for a long time is better than a backyard pond.Taking care not to catch fish in the process, fill the containers with pond water.Adding the natural pond water will help establish your pond as a more natural water source for wildlife.
Step 9: As your pond grows, watch it.
As the pond develops, it will attract bugs and other creatures.Wild grasses should be allowed to grow around your pond.Don't introduce fish to the pond for a long time.They will prevent the pond from attracting animals.To create a muddy pond bottom, dump the topsoil back into the pond.Natural aquatic plants, such as water lilies, can be planted to help facilitate the growth of other wildlife.If it becomes stagnant, this could lead to a foul smell and increased mosquito activity, so be sure to monitor it.
Step 10: The pond needs to be dug.
A garden pond has multiple levels to facilitate a waterfall and a place for a pump.You will have access to electricity if the pond is located close to your home.You can use a shovel to dig a large hole.If you want to install a pump, you should dig a deeper hole at the center of the pond.A shallow shelf can be dug around the perimeter of the pond to create a second level for aquatic plants.You can find preformed pond shapes at garden stores.These are shaped like a bean and have many levels.If you are using a preformed pond, adjust the hole you dig.
Step 11: Line the water.
Make sure to line the pond with a layer of sand.The next step is to add a layer of non-biodegradable materials.A large piece of waterproof pond liner is needed to cover this layer.This should cover the entire pond.
Step 12: The pump and other devices need to be installed.
If you put a pump in the deeper center pit, the hose will extend to the surface of the pond.You can also install a skimmer.You can get detailed instructions on how to install the device from the manufacturer.Make sure the pump is on its own circuit and plugged into a receptacle.The pump is in the deepest part of the pond and should not be put on the ground.The pump should be raised by at least 3 in.The measurement is 8.62 cm.
Step 13: Go around the pond.
The liner should overlap the edge of the pond by eight inches.Put a shallow shelf under the liner, lay the edges flat, and put stones around the edge of the pond.Large stones can be used for this purpose.To make sure the stones are level with the surface of the pond when it is filled, set them a few inches into the ground.It is not necessary to mortar stones that are large and heavy.When people stand at the pond's edge, you may want to add mortar to prevent smaller stones from coming loose.It is attractive to surround a waterfall device with stones.You can use stones of different shapes, sizes, and colors to accent your garden.
Step 14: The pond needs to be filled.
When the water features are turned off, fill the pond about three quarters of the way full with a hose.Make sure the pump and other electronic devices are working correctly by testing them.
Step 15: An aquatic garden can be created.
Add aquatic plants to your pond.Make sure the environment you create is the right one for the plants you want to grow.Plants that don't do well with movement should not be in the flow of a waterfall.
Step 16: Add some goldfish.
You can buy goldfish at your local pet store.Do some research to find out what types of plants complement each other.Adding too many may cause the aquatic plants to decline.You don't need a filter in your pond if you strike the right balance between plants and fish.If you have a lot of fish, you might want to install a filter.There is a special kind of pond for yoko.There is more information on how to build a fish pond.