Planting
Aquatic or marginal pond plant
Pond and standing water can carry leptospirosis (Weil's disease), which enters through cuts or the eyes, nose and mouth. Cover cuts, wear waterproof gloves, wash hands afterwards, and see a doctor for flu-like illness after water contact. Never introduce banned invasive plants.
- Where to get help
- NHS 111, or your GP.
Loam and a gravel cap keep the water clear and stop fish stirring up the soil, while planting at the correct water depth matches each plant's natural zone so it thrives rather than drowns or dries.
When
Plant and divide pond plants in the main growing season, late spring to early summer (May to June), when water is warming and plants are in active growth.
How
1. Use an aquatic planting basket lined with hessian if the mesh is coarse. 2. Plant into heavy aquatic or garden loam, not multipurpose compost, which floats and pollutes. 3. Set marginals at the crown level they grew, then top the basket with a layer of washed gravel to hold the soil down. 4. Lower the basket in slowly at an angle to let air escape. 5. Stand marginals on shelves or bricks so the crown sits just below the water surface at the depth on the label.
Notes
Only ever plant native or non-invasive species. Several aquatics (including floating pennywort, parrot's feather, water fern and New Zealand pigmyweed) are banned from sale in England and it is an offence to plant or allow them to grow in the wild.