Protect tender water plants when freezing temperatures arrive.
Water gardens add a soothing element to any landscape, but many home gardeners don't have the space or inclination to set up a pond or waterfall. A good alternative to a large water feature is a water container garden. Although water container gardens are simpler to construct than ponds or waterfalls, they still can have their fair share of problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Algae
Algae is a pesky "weed" in water container gardens, according to the University of Illinois Extension website. Prevent algae growth by locating your container garden in an area where it will get morning sun, followed by afternoon shade. Too much sun will greatly encourage the growth of algae. Adding a few snails to the water will also help cut down on algae growth, as they will feed on the algae. You can also use algaecides to kill the algae, but these may damage plants and fish in the water. If your container is small, it might be best to simply dump out the algae-ridden water and start over with fresh water.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be a big problem in water container gardens. These pesky insects thrive near areas of still, stagnant water. One way to control mosquitoes and add a bit of entertainment to your water container garden is to add some mosquito fish, or gambezi (Gambusia affinis). These small, darting fish will eat mosquito larvae and keep your garden mosquito-free. Bring the fish indoors for the winter if you live in an area that has freezing winter temperatures. You can also add a beneficial bacteria to the water. The bacteria is called Bacillus thuringiensis, subspecies israelensis, and you can find it at most garden stores.
Cold Temperatures
Water container gardens do not need any special care in the spring, summer or fall. Once established, they are relatively easy to maintain. When winter arrives, however, you may need to take some steps to protect the plants in your water container garden. Freezing temperatures can threaten the health of some water container garden plants, but it depends on what type of plants you have. Tropical lilies, for example, will not even tolerate cold temperatures, let alone freezing temperatures. Other water-loving plants, such as cattails, can tolerate freezes. If your container has tropical plants, bring them indoors for the winter and place them in a warm, sunny location. If you have plants that can tolerate cold but not freezing temperatures, such as some lotus plants, submerge them deep enough so they are still cold but not frozen. Other ways to keep your container garden from freezing over include wrapping the pot in insulation, or adding a water garden deicer to the water.
Debris
Over time, plant debris such as dead leaves, shed flowers and windblown items can cloud up the water in your water container garden. This can be unhealthy for your plants. Dump out the water, and then fill the container again with fresh, lukewarm water. Do not use softened water. Rainwater or tap water is better. When you refill the container, do not scrub down the sides of the pot. Established water container gardens contain beneficial bacteria that cling to and grow on the inner surfaces of the pot.
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