Prepare the garden pond properly for the winter: This way, fish can hibernate safely, the water remains stable and the technology is protected from frost.
When the temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare the garden pond for winter. Careful planning protects fish from stress and disease and prevents frost damage to pumps, filters and water features. If you act in a timely manner, you will ensure that the pond wakes up from its hibernation in spring healthy and stable.
Fish overwinter safely
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A sufficient pond depth is the most important protection against frost. It should be at least 80 to 100 centimeters, 120 centimeters is even better, as from this depth on the ground a constant temperature of around 4 degrees is reliably maintained. This stable cold layer allows fish to survive the winter in peace. As soon as the water drops permanently below 10 degrees, feeding is no longer carried out. To prevent a lack of oxygen under a closed ice cover, an ice preventer or a pond aerator are ideal.
Winterizing Garden: Tasks & Checklist
There is still a lot that needs to be done in the garden before the onset of winter. With the structured overview and the practical checklist, you won’t forget any important tasks in the fall.
Download our guide to winter-proof gardens here for free!
Sensitive species like koi require additional security: they should be kept in water areas between 4 and 10 degrees. Where severe winters threaten, a pond heater helps. Alternatively, sensitive fish can also be overwintered in the basement or garage – ideally in a large rain barrel or tub with a small pump and filter. To ensure that the move is stress-free, the wintering pool is filled with a mixture of two-thirds pond water and one-third fresh water.
Clean the pond thoroughly
A clean pond survives the winter much better than a dirty one. Leaves, branches and other organic materials should be removed regularly to prevent them from decomposing and using up oxygen unnecessarily. Before winter, it is also worth removing soil mud and dead plant parts. These measures improve water quality in the long term and prevent heavy pollution that could lead to algae problems or diseases in spring.
Protect technology from frost
Pond technology also requires careful winter preparation. Pumps and filters should be dismantled before the first frost, cleaned thoroughly and then stored frost-proof. The pump is ideally stored in a bucket filled with water in the basement. Filters, on the other hand, are best left to dry completely in a frost-free place. Water features and fountains must be switched off and emptied because even small amounts of water can freeze in pipes and cause expensive damage. Water pipes should therefore be completely drained and turned off until the frost period is over.
Our free PDF guide summarizes all important tasks clearly and explains step by step what still needs to be done before winter. With the attached Checklist You can keep an overview at all times and prepare every area of your garden for the cold season in a targeted manner and without stress.
Download the guide “Preparing your garden for winter” HERE for free.
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