When planning a planting scheme for a pond, try to ensure that half to two-thirds of the water will be covered with surface leaf. This will keep the algae at bay whilst still allowing any fish to be seen.

Planting Mediums

You can use good garden soil to grow aquatic plants, although you should avoid using any that has been recently fertilized or manured as this will encourage the growth of algae. You may need to sieve out any loose organic matter to prevent it floating out when the basket is submerged.

Alternatively, use a prepared aquatic compost - never use standard garden composts as they contain fertilizers.

Planting Depths

The ideal depth for planting aquatic plants varies between species, and you will need to check this requirement with your supplier. The required depth preference is shown as the distance from the surface of the water to the top of the planting soil. You may find that you need to place containers on blocks or bricks to reach the correct depth.

Young plants may need to be planted closer to the surface than mature specimens; again, place them on blocks and then gradually lower them as they grow.

Planting Styles

The method of planting up your pond will depend upon the categories of water plants used.

Oxygenators

You will find that different oxygenating plants work most efficiently at varying levels of pH and time of year, so it is worth buying a number of species so that your pond remains oxygenated throughout the season.

When buying oxygenating plants, keep them wet until you are ready to plant them and never expose them to the air for any longer than you have to. Keep them in individual pots if possible; this will prevent them from becoming too invasive.

Plant bunches of oxygenators into a planting crate filled with aquatic compost or garden soil and then firm them in. Spread a layer of pea shingle or grit over the surface; this will discourage fish from disturbing the plant roots and prevent soil from floating out and clouding the water. Water the baskets thoroughly to ensure that they sink and remain at the correct depth.

Lower the basket into the pond to the recommended planting depth - usually 45-60cm (18-24in).

Deep Water Plants

Deep water plants may be grown in containers or directly into a soil bed. Young plants should be planted at a depth shallow enough to allow their leaves to float to the surface of the pond; this will allow them to receive enough sunlight for photosynthesis. Gradually lower them to their correct planting depth as they grow.

As with oxygenating plants, water containers thoroughly before planting and apply a top dressing of grit or pea shingle.

Marginals

When planning a planting scheme that includes marginals, always make sure that you take their height, spread, and vigour into account. Invasive marginals should be planted in pot to prevent them from overwhelming less energetic species.

Marginal plants should be planted when in a period of active growth, from late spring until midsummer. Place marginals in containers with a top dressing of grit or pea shingle or plant directly into a soil bed or planting pocket. Most marginals will need approximately 8-15 cm (3-6 in) of water above their soil; you may find that you need to raise containers so that they are positioned at the right depth.

Before placing in the pond, inspect plants for pests and diseases and remove any blanketweed.