Nutrients from Pond Water

Small garden ponds are gaining popularity and are being installed by thousands of homeowners as a main garden feature. The enjoyment a pond offers is not without work. The most tedious task has to be the spring cleaning. All the waste material that builds up throughout the winter will need to be removed. Organic gardeners will find this process an indispensable source of rich organic fertilizer. After all, there is waste from the fish, frogs and plant material, so what could be better in the garden?

History of Chinampas

Fertilization using this process is not a new concept. The ancient Aztecs cultivated crops on man-made floating islands called chinampas. Canals stocked with fish surrounded these islands. The water was used for irrigation and the fish waste was used to fertilize their crops.

The chinampas system of gardening is still in use today in the town Xochimilco (“Where the Flowers Grow”), Mexico. Tourists can take boat rides along the canals and see the beautiful display of flowers and vegetables. They still create these floating gardens using the same techniques of their ancient ancestors.

Modern Aquaponics

This ancient farming method is applied today by a process called aquaponics. Aquaponics is a method of farming fish and raising crops together. Large water tanks are stocked with fish, usually Tilapia or Catfish. Edible greens hydroponically float on the surface. The fish waste feeds the crop, and the crops keep the water clean. No chemicals are ever involved.

Healthy Upkeep of a Garden Pond

Aquatic plant material and fish are necessary to have a healthy balance in the upkeep of a pond. Plants help filter water by converting fish waste into plant food. Plants provide oxygen for your fish, and will absorb carbon dioxide and minerals which will prevent algae from forming.

For those who don’t have an inground pond, a rain barrel or a free standing pond on your deck or patio can be put to good use. Go to your pet store, and purchase some fish and some fish food. This is a wonderful project for children. Throughout the summer utilize your watering can to exchange the water in the barrel to use on your plants. At the end of the season remove the fish, and place them in an indoor aquarium, or reward them for their service by releasing them into a larger pond.

After the spring cleaning you can continue to use the pond water to fertilize your garden throughout the summer. If you’re in doubt about the results, water a few plants with the pond water for a few weeks, and see if they don’t out perform those watered from another source.