Did you enjoy your water garden this year or struggle with algae or leaks? A little planning this fall can prevent or fix those issues next season.

Start by cleaning! Scoop leaves, clean your skimmer and put a net over your pond. By keeping your pond clean, spring maintenance is easier!

Prep aquatic plants for winter. Use this chart as a guide for overwintering your pond plants.

Fall is also the perfect time to get on contractors schedules for pond work the following spring (if you live in a northern climate, that is!)

Fish care in the fall is simple- start feeding your fish less as the water cools. Koi typically should not be fed when water temps are 50F or below because their digestive systems don’t process the food at cooler temps. The food will sit undigested, in their stomachs, all winter and rot.

If you plan to keep your fishy friends in your pond through the winter, set up an aerator, return de-icer, and water heater.