Ponds are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a water feature on their patio or in their backyard. However, full size ponds can be very expensive and require a lot of maintenance. If you are just looking for a small pond that is easy to care for, then you may be interested in creating a pond in a container.
First you will need to decide where to place your container pond. A container pond makes an attractive addition to any porch, patio, or pergola, anywhere where there is easy access to an electrical outlet. It is also recommended that the location you choose for your container receive 4 to 6 hours of sun each day.
Choosing a Container
First you will need to choose a large container for your pond. Any large pot or container will do.
You can purchase whiskey or wine half-barrels for about $40 at Lowe’s or Home Depot. You can also use any large ceramic or plastic planter.
If the container you choose has holes in it that will prevent it from holding water, you will also need a pond liner. You can purchase a liner from any store that sells pond supplies.
Wine and whiskey barrels should be able to hold water without using a liner, but it really depends on the condition of the barrels. Some will hold water without a liner without any problem, especially if you let them sit for a few days with water in it in order to allow the wood to expand and stop any potential leaks.
Preparing the Container
If you are putting a liner in the container, fill the container with water, and then trim off any excess liner at the top of the barrel. You can also use waterproof glue to glue the liner to the container, but it is not necessary.
If you are going to be putting fish in your container, then you should not put chlorinated water in the container. If the water you are using has chlorine in it, just let the container full of water sit for a few days before you add the fish and the chlorine will evaporate. If you don’t want to wait, you can also purchase liquid dechlorinator to add to the water.
Adding a Fountain
A fountain is a nice addition to any container pond. Small pumps and fountains can be purchased wherever pond supplies are sold.
Although a fountain is not necessary, the pump will circulate water in your container, helping to keep the water from becoming stagnant.
You can use a large clay pot, placed upside down in the center of the container, to place the pump and fountain on. You will not be able to see the pot when the pond is finished. If you don’t have a large enough pot, you can also stack bricks in the bottom of the pond.
Choosing Plants and Fish
There are a variety of pond plants you can buy from your local nursery that will work great in your container pond. Prices vary, so start with inexpensive plants. Water hyacinths, canna, water cabbages, and cattails are all great plant choices.
Goldfish make a great addition to a container pond. However, you don’t want to put koi in your pond because they quickly become too big for your container. Goldfish are also very inexpensive, so if a curious bird or cat finds them, you can easily replace them. Three or four goldfish should be sufficient for most container ponds.
Keep in mind if the winters are very cold where you live that you will likely have to bring your fish inside during the winter. In some areas pond containers will freeze solid during the winter.
Container ponds are a fun DIY project that you could easily do in a weekend. They are a great addition to any porch or patio, making them versatile for homeowners, even those who live in apartments and condominiums.
Jay Preston is Brand Manager at Tool HQ, Australia’s premiere power tool supplier
