Growing pond plants in baskets is a great way to add natural beauty to your backyard pond while keeping the plants and fish healthy. Aquatic baskets allow you to easily position plants at different depths, control root growth, and make maintenance easy. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, planting, and caring for pond plants in baskets.
Why Grow Pond Plants in Baskets?
There are several key reasons to use baskets when planting aquatic plants:
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Containment – The basket mesh contains the soil and plant roots, preventing them from spreading uncontrollably in the pond. This keeps the water cleaner.
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Positioning – Baskets allow you to place plants at specific depths optimized for the species. Plants can be repositioned easily.
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Protection – The basket and soil protect plant roots from fish that might eat exposed roots.
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Oxygenation – Plants oxygenate the water providing a healthy environment for fish. More plants means more oxygen.
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Nutrient Absorption – Plants absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, preventing algae growth.
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Shade – Plants provide shade and hiding spots for fish.
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Aesthetics – Plants enhance the natural beauty of the pond, creating a balanced ecosystem.
Choosing the Right Aquatic Plant Baskets
Pond plant baskets come in a variety of shapes. sizes. and materials
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Shapes – Round, square, and kidney/oblong baskets are common Choose based on the mature plant size
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Sizes – Diameters range from 4 inches for small plants to 14 inches for large plants. Depth is typically 4-8 inches.
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Materials – Plastic or woven natural fiber (rush, coconut fiber) are commonly used. Plastic is more durable.
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Mesh holes – Small holes limit soil loss but can slow root growth. Larger holes provide better drainage and root access.
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Liner – Some baskets have coconut fiber or hessian liners to further limit soil loss. This decomposes over time.
For smaller plants, choose smaller 5-7 inch round baskets. Larger plants need 10+ inch round or square baskets. Kidney-shaped baskets are great for aquatic marginal plants. Match the basket size to the plant’s mature width.
How to Plant Pond Plants in Baskets
Planting pond plants in baskets follows this simple process:
1. Prepare the Basket
Line basket with liner if needed. Square and oblong baskets don’t require liners.
2. Add Aquatic Soil
Fill 2/3 full with aquatic planting soil formulated for ponds.
3. Make a Hole
Create a hole in the soil for the plant’s roots.
4. Add the Plant
Place the plant in the hole and fill in soil around roots. Leave 1-2 inches from top.
5. Water Thoroughly
Water well to settle and saturate the soil. Allow excess to drain out.
6. Top with Gravel
Cover soil with a 1 inch layer of pea gravel to prevent erosion.
7. Place in Pond
Situate plant basket in the appropriate water depth zone for the species.
Caring for Pond Plants in Baskets
Proper care keeps pond plants healthy and thriving all season:
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Maintain proper water depth for each plant species. Move baskets deeper as plants grow.
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Replenish eroded soil and top off gravel layer as needed.
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Remove dead leaves and debris regularly to prevent rotting.
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Prune back overly long or dense growth. This encourages new growth.
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Divide rootbound plants by repotting in new baskets. Rejuvenates overgrown plants.
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Fertilize occasionally with liquid fertilizer according to product instructions.
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Check for pests like aphids and treat accordingly. Remove severely damaged plants.
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Cut back and discard dying growth at end of season if plants are not winter hardy.
Ideal Plants for Baskets in Ponds
Many types of aquatic plants thrive planted in baskets. Here are some top recommendations:
Water Lilies
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Hardy water lilies – Leaves float on surface, roots grow in basket. Many colors.
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Tropical water lilies – Need warm water, high sun. Gorgeous blooms.
Marginal Plants
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Cattails, iris, arrowheads – Grow in shallows, emergent leaves.
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Pickerel weed, gulf rushes – Add vertical structure up to 3 feet tall.
Oxygenators
- Anacharis, hornwort, cabomba – Fast growing, oxygenate. Floating or planted.
Floating Plants
- Water lettuce, water hyacinths – Remove nutrients, provide shade if contain.
Submerged Plants
- Fanwort, anacharis, foxtail – Absorb nutrients, offer shelter.
Pond Planting Best Practices
Follow these tips for success growing pond plants in baskets:
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Research plant specifics like max depth, light needs, spread, and bloom time. Choose plants suited for your pond.
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Include a variety of plant types – marginal, oxygenating, surface coverage. This creates a balanced ecosystem.
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Plant in stages over the season for continuous color and bloom.
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Group 2-3 plants of the same variety together for full impact.
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Keep invasive plants like cattails contained by pruning roots and separating crowded plants.
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Avoid disturbing the root zone when repotting plants.
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Remove dead leaves and flowers to keep water clean and prevent rotting debris.
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Start fertilizing about 1 month after planting. Use sparingly to prevent algae blooms.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Pond plants are susceptible to a few common problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Issue | Cause | Solution
Top 10 Pond Plants
FAQ
Do pond plants have to be in baskets?
How to plant pond plants in containers?
What is a pond basket?
Compared with normal plant pots, pond baskets tend to have broader, flatter bases, which helps them to stay stable in the water, especially when holding some of the taller types of marginal plants. It also makes them better suited to fitting on the narrow planting shelves typically seen in many proprietary pre-formed pond liners.
Do pond plants need baskets?
If your pond has plant shelves, we recommend planting baskets. They are convenient and allow easier pond plant husbandry in the future. If your pond has been built with planting areas such as marsh areas or is a natural pond planting baskets may not be necessary. Do pond plants need aquatic soil?
How do I choose a pond plant basket?
The soil texture is also essential; a heavy loam is best as peat-based soil could simply float away! When choosing the basket size consider the ultimate size and height of the pond plant – Tall marginals will need larger baskets to counter balance them and avoid being blown over.
What plants grow in a pond?
Water lilies: Water lilies are classic pond plants that provide a beautiful display of flowers and floating leaves. They come in various colors and sizes and can be grown in pots or baskets in shallow areas of the pond. Water Iris: Water irises are a great option for pond margins and shallow pond areas.