GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Up under the ice, causing the fish to suffocate. The best solution is to install an electric pond healer to keep the water at .1 steady temperature. 1 low ever, for this you will need a permanent outdoor electricity supply that conforms to safety standards—this includes specially insulated cable and socket. It is advisable to consult a qualified electrician.
This solution can prove expensive, but is an important investment i( you have a lot of fish or if your pond is stocked with expensive breeds. If you cannot afford this, you can float a ball on surface the improvement of the ball is supposed to prevent ice from forming. This method is not infallible, and you may not want to take the risk if you have fish, but it can help to protect water plants. Generally, lighter balls work best—ping-pong or tennis balls arc ideal.

CLEANING A POND

Your pond should be cleaned to remove debris that has accumulated throughout the year. Before cleaning, any beneficial creatures, such as water snails, should be placed in a shallow tray of water so that they can be reintroduced to the pond once you have finished.
1 Empty the pond by bailing it out with a bucket, or pump the water out by attaching a hose to the pump outlet.

2 Remove any soil, mud, and plant debris from the bottom of the pond. Put pond animals in a tray of water.

3 Using a stick brush, scrub the sides oj the pond, applying a weak solution of sterilizing agent.

4 Clean (he sides and bottom with a powerful water jet. Allow (lie pond surface to dry. then refill.