How to Keep Your Garden Pond Thriving as Spring Turns to Summer

As spring blossoms into summer, your garden pond begins to stir with life. Warmer days and longer sunlight hours bring increased activity from plants, fish, and visiting wildlife. But this seasonal transition also brings challenges that, if not managed properly, can upset the delicate balance of your pond.

To ensure your garden pond stays healthy and beautiful throughout the warmer months, it’s important to take proactive steps. Here’s how to keep your pond thriving as spring turns into summer.

1. Maintain Water Quality

As temperatures rise, water can evaporate more quickly, reducing oxygen levels and concentrating pollutants. Poor water quality leads to algae blooms, fish stress, and murky conditions.

• Top up water levels and ensure you are using Pond Water Treatments where required. 
• Test water regularly: Use a pond testing kit to monitor pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels.
• Clean pond filters and pond pumps: A clean filtration system helps maintain clear water and healthy oxygen levels.

2. Control Algae Growth

Sunshine and nutrients can trigger rapid algae growth in late spring and early summer. Use a pond UV steriliser to keep on top of blooms. While some algae are natural, too much can be harmful to fish and plants.

• Introduce floating plants like water lilies or duckweed to shade the surface and block sunlight.
• Avoid overfeeding fish, as uneaten food contributes to nutrient build-up.
• Use algae water treatments if needed.

3. Encourage Aquatic Plant Growth

Plants play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced pond. They provide oxygen, absorb excess nutrients, and offer shelter for wildlife.

• Plant a mix of submerged, marginal, and floating plants to create a diverse, self-sustaining environment.
• Trim back dead foliage from spring growth to keep your pond looking tidy and prevent decay in the water.

4. Watch Fish Health

Fish become more active as the water warms, so spring into summer is a good time to monitor their health and behaviour.

• Use pond fish food appropriately: Switch to a high-protein summer fish food to support growth and energy.
• Observe for signs of stress or illness, such as erratic swimming or visible marks.
• Maintain oxygen levels, especially during hot weather, with a fountain or air pump.

5. Support Local Wildlife

Summer sees an increase in wildlife activity around ponds. Frogs, newts, dragonflies, and birds rely on ponds as a water source and breeding ground.

• Provide gentle slopes or planting shelves so wildlife can safely enter and exit the water.
• Avoid chemicals and pesticides in surrounding garden areas.
• Leave some natural debris like logs or stones to offer shade and hiding spots.

6. Stay Ahead of Problems

Routine maintenance now can prevent issues later in the season.

• Remove debris such as fallen leaves and algae mats weekly.
• Check equipment regularly to ensure pond pumps, pond filters, and pond UV sterilisers are working efficiently.
• Monitor water levels to prevent dehydration or overflow during extreme weather.