How to Make a Container Water Garden in 3 Easy Steps

If you would like to create the relaxing atmosphere of a water garden without building a pond in your backyard, then a container water garden is for you. Water gardens can muffle out the noise of traffic, providing a soothing sensation, attract birds and be a home to flowers like the lotus and water lily. Here's how to set up your container water garden at home in 3 easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• water flowers
• 5 -10 small fish (goldfish or minnows)
• 5 gallon watertight pot
• faux terra cotta pots
• large tub

1. Choose the appropriate area for your water container garden by selecting a spot that gets some sun but has some protection from the hottest time of the day. If you don't know the best spot, observe your yard's shade pattern on the weekend when you can be home. Take note of where the shade and sun is at noon and 3 or 4pm.

2. Fill up the tub about 3/4 full with water. Place the faux terra cotta pots inside the tub. Use them as planters for your water lily or iris plants. You can use floating flowers as well.

3. Leave the fish in their bag and let the bag sit inside the tub. This will let the fish get used to the water temperature without a sudden shock. A half hour should be enough time. Then open the bag and let the fish into their container water garden home.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to assemble the items you need for this water container garden, you can order a complete kit instead. See resources below.
• This container water garden is maintenance-free. You don't need to change the water. The fish don't need to be fed either. They will eat the algae and organic matter from insects.
• Choose a visually interesting tub. Antique designs with individual feet will look great and allow air to pass under the tub to prevent killing the grass in that spot.

Resources

• Pond in Pot: Complete Water Garden Kit