How to Make Pond Soil
Soil used to line the bottom of ornamental ponds or container-grow aquatic plants must be dense and heavy. Topsoils rich in clay and low in organic matter are ideal as they remain dense while submerged, and do not release floating particles into the water. Creating a pond soil mix centers upon a clean, dense topsoil that's rich in clay. The addition of a well-composted cow manure adds nutrients and an improved texture to soils used in submerged containers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Obtain topsoil for the base of the mixture. Search your yard for a clay-based soil that has little organic matter in it. Purchase topsoil in bags, if necessary.
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Place three shovels-full (or three parts) of topsoil into a wheelbarrow. Remove any organic matter such as bark or leaf compost that will float in the pond once the soil is submerged.
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Add one shovel-full (or one part) well-rotted cow manure to the topsoil. Mix the contents of the wheelbarrow thoroughly with the shovel so there is a consistent blend and texture.
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Tips & Warnings
Addition of the well-rotted cow manure is optional, but recommended if the soil is to sustain plant growth. Clay soils are ideal for use in ponds and submersed plant pots, and dense loams are acceptable as long as organic material is minimal or absent.
Water the pond soil mixture before placing it on the pond bottom or in containers. This will reduce settling and murking the pond water when added.
Do not use potting mixes for pond soil. These mixes contain perlite, compost, fertilizer granules and vermiculite that will not compact and will float in the pond water.
Avoid gathering topsoil from woodland areas, as it will be ridden with organic matter.
Avoid sandy soils, as they are not dense and can lead to cloudy pond water and plants that do not root well, causing them to float to the surface.
