How to Add Powdered Barley to a Garden Pond to Reduce Green Algae

Algae are normal in all ponds. Ideally, they die off as quickly as they form and don't cause a problem. Warm weather can increase the nutrients that algae feed on so that they multiply much faster than they die off. Barley straw prevents algae cells from developing, bringing balance back to the pond. Although the barley straw works well, it is unsightly. Powdered barley is an invisible aid to reducing green algae in a garden pond.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered Barley
• Tape Measure
• Calculator

Instructions

Determine the Amount of Water in Your Pond

1. Measure the width and length of the pond.

2. Multiply the width by the length to determine the area.

3. Determine the depth of the pond.

4. Multiply the area of the pond by the depth.

5. Multiply by 7.5 to determine the gallons of water in your pond.

Add Barley Powder

1. Add 2 oz. of barley powder per 1,000 gallons of water for the initial algae reduction treatment.

2. Maintenance barley powder treatments should be added every other week. Use 1 oz. barley powder per 1,000 gallons of water.

3. When used as a preventative measure when no algae problem exists, use 1 oz. of barley powder per 1,000 gallons of water every 2 weeks.

Resources

• Pond Fish