How to Stop Koi From Ruining My Pond Plants

Koi need to be distracted from pond plants.

Koi add a sense of vibrant color and motion to a pond, but they also have an unfortunate habit of damaging any plants in the pond. While the plants give the koi some cover and shade, the fish will still dine on the leaves, the roots and stems. The best way to protect the plants is to create barriers between the koi and the parts of the plant they eat.

Things You'll Need

• Aquatic tub
• Gravel
• Large rocks
• Wire mesh
• Wire cutters
• Garden wire
• Tape

Instructions

1. Place your plants in large aquatic tubs that can hold plants and their roots even when the plant is an adult. Large, heavy pots are harder for koi to push over, and the roots won't peek out of the pot.

2. Cover the soil around the plants with about 1 inch of gravel. The gravel will give the plant more stability, and it will prevent koi from easily digging up the plant. Place large rocks on top of the gravel to further discourage the koi.

3. Cut a short segment of wire mesh with wire cutters. Wrap the wire mesh around the part of the plant stem that is under water and bind it with garden wire. This protective sleeve should sit in the gravel with its uppermost edge 1 inch above the water's surface. Cover the sharp edges of the sleeve with tape to prevent the koi from hurting themselves.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're starting a koi pond, buy small koi. Young koi will learn early they can't budge the gravel around the plants. They will be less inclined to try when they become adults.

References

• Koi and Ponds: Protecting Plants in the Pond from Koi
• Wilson Bros. Online: Pond Plants
• Pet Education: Koi Ponds: Koi Environmental Needs
• The Ultimate Guide to Koi Fish Care: Points to Consider When Setting Up Your Koi Garden