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there's a recent GQT which is an entire episode about ponds
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001vsn5
My takeaways are I need a combination of submerged oxygenating plants and shade plants such as dwarf waterlillys which will prevent algae bloom and blanket weed. Also try to position out of the sun, or at least plant around it for the same reason, Surrounding planting like bullrushes will help provide somewhere for the frogs to hide and dragonflies to lay eggs. Don't put fish in it as they eat the dragonfly larvae and their waste encourages conditions for algae. Some dragonflies will lay eggs on the underside of the waterlillies or on rotting wood so add some of that. We also have great crested newts on our allotment so a sturdy stick/log in the water will help them get in and out. And don't change the water, just top it up as needed from your rain water butt.I picked up a free pond mould on FB marketplace y'day, 1.3m by 0.9m, kinda kidney shaped. Worth looking out for because they're already stepped for both submerged and semi-submerged plants etc. I'm planning to dig out the hole and bed the pond mould in on builder's sand so it's well supported all around.
freddo-
Also try to position out of the sun
Are you sure you got that right?
I listened to it too, and I'm pretty sure they specified sun. Also that tubby bearded guy on YouTube always says you need sun.
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I have a pond. I inherited it and have done nothing of particular note to it. In spring and summer it gets about 6 hours sun, in late autumn and winter nearly none.
It is too small really, and can dry out in hot periods if I don't water it. Or maybe it just has a leak. It's about half the size lengthways and half the depth of a bath.
It supports countless frogs and toads, and is full of gardeners garters and water iris, which flower every year without me needing to do anything.
It does fill up with stuff - roots, dead leaves, etc, but not algae as far as I can tell. But you don't even notice the water clarity as it's full of plants. In fact, not many people even notice that it's a pond at all.
Occasionally I add organic mosquito control as, although I have no evidence, I sometimes suspect mosquitoes breed in it.
It is brilliant and adds so much to the garden for zero effort. Get one and don't overthink it
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Another reason not to add fish is it allows newts to use the pond for spawning, and there are seeing a reduction in habitat so it's a positive thing to do.
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Thanks everybody for chiming in with pond chat. @freddo Yeah it was that GQT that prompted my first question but when the guy said 'ideally 1 metre deep' it got me thinking what the limits an allotment would permit. Once my kid outgrows the ridiculous climbing thing we bought in lockdown, the plan is to replace with a proper pond at home but that won't be for a few more years, just discussing it causes mild trauma.
Our plot is aligned north/south with some hedge in the SW corner which should provide the right balance of sun, shade and protection from footfall. I can take a plants from our trough at home to get it started but we sadly don't have a waterbutt because no sheds or permanent structures are allowed. Like most things up there, I think it will be a learning process and naturally evolve into something that is self sustaining.
hugo7
lemonade
andyp
inchpincher
Bath is a great shout, thank you.
@freddo Free slug management is the primary objective, hopefully it won’t just evaporate.