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For new and experienced pond owners and pond keepers. If you have a pond question, let me know. Maybe I know the answer. Or if I don't, someone else will. If no one knows the answer, we can learn together.


Jan
<img src="/images/graemlins/fish.gif" alt="" />

Question:
How do I net a sick fish in cold weather.

pondlady sez: Pour some hot water in the pond near where you have placed a net, convenient to where you can stand comfortably. When the fish swims over to find a nice warm spot, he should swim right in net.

Water lilies are beginning their descent into winter dormancy. Stop feeding in October and let them start their winter sleep. They will wake up in May or June. Start feeding again when the leaves reach the top of the water.

Will my cat eat my fish?

Pondlady sez:

Most cats do not like to get their feet wet and are fed well at home anyway. Kitties will watch the pond for hours and yes, occasionally I see a kitty come over the fence with wet feet. <img src="/images/graemlins/fish.gif" alt="" />

Can I just leave my pump running in the winter and then the pond won't freeze?

Pondlady sez: Nope, pumps don't like cold weather, but more than that, you are churning the water around so the fish can't find place to just be in torpor,, like hibernation, but moreso.

There's foam at the bottom of my waterfall. What should I do about it?


Pondlady sez:

Leave it alone and it will go away in a day or two.

What about snakes?

Pondlady sez: It's funny that we build a backyard wildlife habitat for all critters and then we want it to be a gated community. Yes, you will have snakes, but they will be the same snakes you already have. Now they have rocks to sun themselves on and live under. They thank you and so do I.

What about pH?

Pondlady sez:
Usually you don't have to worry about pH at all. If you put a new concrete block in the pond to elevate a plant, it will leach out lime and raise the pH to dangerous levels. Age or paint the concrete block black first.

Be sure you know where you want your pond before you start digging. And be extra sure you know where all pipes and wires are underground. Usually your public utility can come over and put markers where they are if you ask.

If you are willing to remove plants for overwintering and have a shade pond, you can use houseplants that like wet feet in your pond. Think Spaths, pothos.