How to Install a Plastic Garden Pond
The look of glistening water can compliment any outdoor living space. Installing a plastic garden pond is a rewarding experience as this project takes some planning and muscle. However, when complete, your plastic garden pond will be the envy of your neighbors and friends. Consider placing ornamental water flora in your pond to complete the look of your new oasis. Add a small fountain to achieve the trickling sound of this popular water feature. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic garden pond shell
- Garden hose or powdered chalk
- Shovel
- Wet sand
- Level
- Landscape rocks or stones
Instructions
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1
Outline the shape of the plastic garden pond with a garden hose or powdered chalk. The shape will serve as a guide when you begin to dig. Do not place the pond shell upside down to do this because you may end up reversing the direction of its curves.
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2
Start digging. Beginning on the outside edge, dig out the dirt so the top of the plastic pond shell is flush with the surrounding landscape. The TLC website recommends digging the hole 2 inches wider and 2 inches deeper than the shell to ensure it fits snuggly into the hole.
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3
Place 2 inches of wet sand into the bottom of the hole and flatten it with your shovel.
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4
Use a level to make sure the sand at the base of the hole is even. Add or remove sand until the base is level.
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5
Place the plastic shell into the hole.
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6
Slowly add water to the pond.
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7
Slowly fill any gaps between the plastic garden pond and the dirt with wet sand as you fill it with water. Do not get sand into the pond.
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8
Lay landscape rocks or stones around the perimeter of the plastic pond shell to hide its edge.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of laying the pond shell flat into the hole, consider placing it at a 10 percent grade so rainwater does not drain into it.
If you want to add fish to your pond, you will need to add a filter or pump.
Water plants look nice in ponds, and some, like elodea canadensis, naturally prevent the growth of algae.
Avoid placing your pond under a tree that loses its leaves or needles. Otherwise, you will end up fishing fallen leaves and pine needles out of the plastic garden pond.
Depending on where you live, if you place fish in your pond, you may need to lay a mesh covering over it to prevent waterfowl and raccoons from eating them.
References
- Photo Credit lillies in a pond image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
