Growing Pond Plants in Baskets – A Complete Guide

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:

• Containment – The basket mesh contains the soil and plant roots, preventing them from spreading uncontrollably in the pond. This keeps the water cleaner.

• Positioning – Baskets allow you to place plants at specific depths optimized for the species. Plants can be repositioned easily.

• Protection – The basket and soil protect plant roots from fish that might eat exposed roots.

• Oxygenation – Plants oxygenate the water providing a healthy environment for fish. More plants means more oxygen.

• Nutrient Absorption – Plants absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, preventing algae growth.

• Shade – Plants provide shade and hiding spots for fish.

• 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

• Shapes – Round, square, and kidney/oblong baskets are common Choose based on the mature plant size

• Sizes – Diameters range from 4 inches for small plants to 14 inches for large plants. Depth is typically 4-8 inches.

• Materials – Plastic or woven natural fiber (rush, coconut fiber) are commonly used. Plastic is more durable.

• Mesh holes – Small holes limit soil loss but can slow root growth. Larger holes provide better drainage and root access.

• 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:

• Maintain proper water depth for each plant species. Move baskets deeper as plants grow.

• Replenish eroded soil and top off gravel layer as needed.

• Remove dead leaves and debris regularly to prevent rotting.

• Prune back overly long or dense growth. This encourages new growth.

• Divide rootbound plants by repotting in new baskets. Rejuvenates overgrown plants.

• Fertilize occasionally with liquid fertilizer according to product instructions.

• Check for pests like aphids and treat accordingly. Remove severely damaged plants.

• 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

• Hardy water lilies – Leaves float on surface, roots grow in basket. Many colors.

• Tropical water lilies – Need warm water, high sun. Gorgeous blooms.

Marginal Plants

• Cattails, iris, arrowheads – Grow in shallows, emergent leaves.

• 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:

• Research plant specifics like max depth, light needs, spread, and bloom time. Choose plants suited for your pond.

• Include a variety of plant types – marginal, oxygenating, surface coverage. This creates a balanced ecosystem.

• Plant in stages over the season for continuous color and bloom.

• Group 2-3 plants of the same variety together for full impact.

• Keep invasive plants like cattails contained by pruning roots and separating crowded plants.

• Avoid disturbing the root zone when repotting plants.

• Remove dead leaves and flowers to keep water clean and prevent rotting debris.

• 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