Building The Perfect Backyard Pond Ecosystem 🐟🌿

I built 2,000 gallon pond last year...andleft it half-finished. Today, we give the Epic pond a facelift and welcome 5 new koi to the pond family!
Koi fish are the perfect addition a backyard garden pond. They provide nutrients to your pond plants and a peaceful presence to your garden. The first koi I ever added to the pond were two small koi from Petco, and I'm excited to bring you a killer deal on koi for your pond.
Shop the quality selection of Petco's koi between 4/30-5/29 online with overnight delivery, or in-store to take advantage of their 20% off deal!
Shop Petco: growepic.co/3pc4yJ3
IN THIS VIDEO
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Problem
01:06 - Game Plan
01:45 - Breaking Up & Amending Soil
03:37 - Adding More Pavers
03:56 - Planting Plants Around The Pond
05:18 - Day Two
05:48 - Adding More River Rocks
06:21 - Koi Delivery & Naming
08:28 - Koi Release
DISCLAIMER
Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process: www.epicgardening.com/disclai...

[@kristinracchini6911]

I feel like you guys missed out on the opportunity to call it a Jacques-hammer.

[@xikano8573]

😂 Yea they did!!!

[@epicgardening]

Honestly we really did :(

[@bookbust]

I need to hear "it's Jacques O'clock" at least once in a video

[@AC-xf6sw]

Hmmm...it was right there...

[@ktreznin5538]

My thoughts exaclty.

[@jacobcone5945]

Opening the bag they are shipped in instantly releases all the CO2 in the bag, causing the ammonia to spike and making the water toxic for the fish. You should always temperature acclimate with the bag closed.

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate the feedback

[@nixonyourat]

This is so often not communicated! But it was just overnight so I think the ammonia would have been less of an issue. Koi are pretty tough thankfully.

[@scottspangler8073]

Putting some Prime in the bucket before dumping the fish in will bind that ammonia. Plop and drop should be your go to method. Avoid dumping the water they are shipped in into your pond, especially Petco.

[@OfftoShambala]

Good to know these kind of details. Thanks

[@dustman96]

Tip for making hard soil easy to dig. Soak well, wait til the next day, dig. 10x easier. Don't dig too soon though because it will be too muddy and/or sticky and will compact too much when walked on.

[@WillEberli]

I love these pond updates... man... awesome. My wife and I dug up over 9 cubic yards of hard concrete like clay (at the surface, a foot down it turns into a super heavy, dense, chocolate cheese cake lol) by hand. Trust me though, it was 1000% worth it. It's like living in a resort and the life comes from far and wide to enjoy what you create. Cheers!

[@epicgardening]

The life alone makes it worth it

[@Thecardiffkook]

Those ornamental grasses you have planted can get quite unruly and are invasive in various areas of California. They also self populate even in cultivated landscaping. Everything else looks great!

[@LillibitOfHere]

We’re expanding our pond this year. I’m in the upper Midwest and our koi have been great for mosquito control and the pond provides clean running water for all kinds of critters. It attracts garter snakes and bug eating birds that help with pest control. Plus, because we overwinter our fish in pond with a pond heater to melt a hole in the ice, it provides accessible water for wildlife over winter.

[@nannybannany]

Yesss! I put creeping thyme in my clay-rich soil too to replace my lawn because of how prolific and hardy it is (both because I'm Zone 5 and because of walking on it).

[@sambradley6548]

omg I don't think I truly understood how dense the soil is you've all been working with until now....omg literally cheers to you all

[@sambradley6548]

I'd say it's hard as clay but that's what you've been explaining LOL

[@Betty-qd8st]

A fish named squish 😂❤️

[@Game.Like.A.Mother]

Im convinced Kevin and Jacques just do these projects so they can play with tools and pretend they are in stardew valley

[@epicgardening]

Accurate

[@LillibitOfHere]

@@epicgardening Who did you marry in Stardew? We need to know.

[@arthursoto4285]

I come for the vibes ✌🏼

[@coryfurlong5918]

I always love it when I see Epic Homesteading energy on the main channel

[@ariellebro]

The pond is looking so beautiful!

[@gkw6648]

Congratulations on 500th video! 🎉👍

[@brothernorb8586]

They have such great nurseries out there, one of the few things I miss

[@OceanGraves]

I love seeing the progression of the pond, more then anything at the homestead. I started gardening as a dumb 11 year old who thought planting flowers attracted frogs… because when i watched youtube videos about ponds and frogs they planted flowers, by the pond. Now im a gardener but with no pond 😂

[@andrewwastaken2]

I was literally just thinking about doing something similar in my backyard and then you post this today. Kindred spirits lol

[@kalenaglory2483]

Man, I’m so jealous! Everything looks so beautiful!

[@brandon8900]

You normally acclimate fish by adding your pond water to the water the fish came in gradually. Its not just about temperature.

[@epicgardening]

We did that - just not shown on video

[@kimgordon3695]

Yes

[@AussieBit451]

Yeah, and tbh Petco really isn’t the place people should be flocking to to get Koi either

[@daisyblooms4813]

@@AussieBit451 generally don't buy fish at Petco

[@AussieBit451]

@@daisyblooms4813 or lizard, or bird, or rodent, etc….they shouldn’t be offering animals in general if they’re not going to ethically source and care for them properly in-store

[@kalenaglory2483]

He needs his own TV show!!!

[@igleamingrace]

Definitely see it coming soon!

[@epicgardening]

This is the TV show ;)

[@lifeofbryan121]

Kevin is so me. Slippers even when dangerous situations are around. 😊

[@epicgardening]

Filipino lifestyle

[@pedromunoz4468]

Looks amazing Kevin

[@jaymoody94]

I got tired just watching you guys work. The pond looks great and the new koi are beautiful

[@nareshbalgobin8101]

Wow beautiful

[@haydenlong2661]

I just purchased the heirloom beet gourmet mix and the mild mix microgreens. I am very excited to see them grow. The packaging is beautiful

[@philiq18]

Looks great with the addition of plants and ground cover.

[@DigitHomesteading]

Oh definitely on our to do list!!!

[@naegwut]

Looks good

[@Gardeningchristine]

Great job guys! You definitely want to enjoy the area.

[@bradhines4137]

Nice yard. I can already picture a Great blue Heron and a Raccoon family stopping by to admire the pond contents.

[@epicgardening]

So far pretty lucky here

[@maxpolo4861]

The pick axe and flip flops gives me anxiety

[@haywardgarner4850]

I’m just flinching at every chop. 😂

[@dawnpleasant2319]

The pond looks beautiful! Big difference with the ground cover and pond pebbles.

[@Eryalb]

All of the colors and textures of the plants really brings the pond together

[@pedromunoz4468]

Living the Dream 💸😍😎

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

nice landscaping! Can't wait for everything to fill in and explode with so much life

[@helenmcclellan452]

Looks so peaceful! Love the flower choices and color scheme. The names your team chose for each fish are fun. Great video!

[@leannhooper6567]

Spectacular, you guys! Love the purples.

[@rustysgarden5011]

Always an inspiration 😘 thanks much

[@karenannaluisa3370]

Amazing! Really wonderful! ❤

[@John_NJDM]

Kevin is freaking me out with those flip flops while using a mattock.

[@sheliaheverin8822]

I love you guys together. You crack me up and I still learn something.

[@lisaeasterevans4164]

Beautiful!

[@grisespino5342]

Seriously beautiful, it needed this finishing touches. Jacques has a Pride of Madeira, glad you included one, its a stunner.

[@Susanna79.]

You have such a magic filled area enjoy it all 💜

[@Jase0001]

I'm jealous of your area! This is such a great place to just get away from everything.

[@racso24]

I know it’s a bit hot but I think you should try growing wasabi

[@laurajean223]

It looks amazing! Nice work.

[@chattyotter3300]

It has been so cool to watch the homestead transformation and especially the epic pond! Love the new plants and the koi are so cute🥰 At the mention of bees I’m wondering, would you ever consider getting epic honey bees?

[@isaac.anthony]

Very nice!

[@chrisburke92]

Yo love seeing yall have fun in the garden! Great chemistry 🎉

[@debbybrady1246]

It's beautiful!

[@Pringle2]

awesome pond

[@Idontwantachannel67]

Wow its absolutely breathtakingly beautiful 😻 🎉

[@william_rc]

Love all the pond updates! Can you post a before and after?

[@epicgardening]

Will do on Instagram!

[@coralawson3059]

oh my goodness, the videos with you and jacques are so informative and entertaining. you two have the type of energy where you'll be those fun teachers or something like that XD

[@brttny]

Love it but Kevin your flip flops are giving me anxiety lol

[@SpartanONegative]

Looks awesome!! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@nildaotero2933]

Awesome pond. Thank God for your great helper

[@vickibarana7635]

Love the pond videos & updates. Giving me lots of ideas what do do around mine. Can't wait to visit that nursery in San Diego soon!!

[@epicgardening]

Walter Anderson's - great spot!

[@vzzy123]

Looks really good❤

[@moniquelynwone6268]

Looks so beautiful ❤ Great job🤩

[@reneabarker1966]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@c0ldlight1]

This is looking amazing.

[@reneequalls5878]

2 guys that are close are my favorite thing on earth. Love you guys. That soil was wild though! Idk if it really even qualifies as “soil” before you worked it.

[@RJweblink]

lol, these two, always so fun to watch, haha! love you guys!

[@StormWarningMom]

Pond looks amazing!!

[@kreestuh4367]

I see Laura from Garden Answer use that little weed tool and I'm like "wow that looks so easy!" and my soil is exactly like yours in a lot of places haha. Thank you for saving me from spending the money on one!

[@LillibitOfHere]

I just bought a rototiller. My soil is sand and clay and my back couldn’t take it anymore

[@moniquelynwone6268]

Quick question: How is your kitty cat dealing; now that you have all of that fish eye-candy swimming around in your backyard? If anything i am sure she will be very entertained🥳🤩

[@floydbertagnolli944]

Beautiful pond!

[@tanyal7122]

That looks beautiful ❤

[@petermeasells]

Awesome!

[@OfftoShambala]

It’s incredible.

[@SolaVirtusNobilitat]

Looks great! Maybe some aquaponics in the future?

[@spaceradish4000]

So fun! I love it!💙

[@NotPalliot]

Oooo! I've been wanting to have a pond! This looks great! I'll have to make sure my garden is well before I get anything else though. Looks great kevin!

[@fishingwithfilitsa]

lovely👍👍😍😍

[@kimgordon3695]

🌱 sweet

[@Ewweee142]

Just wow so zen and creative what a peaceful yard I love it enjoy it for mee 😂

[@kathyglaze83]

Thank goodness no toes were injured in this video 😂.....all that chop chop chop action had me worried 😅

[@averageday]

You have a fun backyard 🏡

[@lurklingX]

making notes on those low groundcovers : )

[@jimizxztheorginal]

I worked at a pond center for awhile, my #1 piece of advice is start algae control early. I like using barley based treatments, like barleymax. I use my water on my crops and have aquaponic plants so I dont like chemical treatments. If you can afford a UV filter definitely get one but only run it when you see algae (the bulbs cost too much to run all year i.m.o.)

[@shannanbegley8189]

Beautiful

[@shannonburns7701]

Congrats on your 500th video!

[@cathykirkmcrae7727]

Love the pond!

[@LemonyTwist18]

5 adult koi will be...interesting to see them attempting to move around together with the space given..the plants look good as usual though!

[@epicgardening]

Can fit up to 15 here!

[@LemonyTwist18]

@@epicgardening Love you man but just because you can "fit" them in doesn't mean there's enough space for mental stimulation; I find that people that like to sell people things love saying that they'll "fit" in places. In Germany it isn't about if it "fits" but if it's mentally happy.

[@SonicPhonic]

That's one of the nicest ponds I've ever seen! Congrats! It made me think of when I was watching a friend's house, and the raccoons got them all the fish in their pond! I had to get some fish before mosquitos could take over but all the fish stores only sold fan-tail goldfish, which were about $25 each! We were then told that fan-tail goldfish couldn't be kept with common goldfish as they are faster and would eat all the food. So, unfortunately the raccons got them too, because they're slow. So it's good to have a shelter for the fish underwater.

[@dsgardenadventures]

Do you worry that attracting the hummingbird moth will lead to your tomatoes being decimated by the hornworm?

[@elliotteenochs1339]

I know that at least in Colorado small gravel is the best soil amendment (squeegee was what I was recommended by our Denver botanic gardens for sustainable landscaping in clay)

[@xikano8573]

You are well on your way to HGTV, brother. Well done!

[@Scorch2534]

Bro, Kevin.. put some shoes on when swinging a pickaxe lol.

[@epicgardening]

It's called natural gardening ;)

[@bigoljoe1829]

Say, when ya'll are done if you ever run outta ideas for a video you can come do this to my yard. I'll even let you pay for it! Hahaha

[@markoliver-ww9ld]

Air is pumped in the bags so the fish survive during shipping.

[@jamie_marie_]

The pond area looks so nice and relaxing, ya'll are doing such a good job with the homestead! Ya'll should be so proud!! Also, have a question, could you do a video or a short about steralizing soil? I just heard about it, but I've never seen anyone do it!

[@epicgardening]

We don't...good one to add!

[@jamie_marie_]

@@epicgardening I'm new to all of this and sorting through all the info and trying to figure out what is worth doing and what's not is a little overwhelming!

[@lilspittin313]

Refreshing stuff, fountain next?

[@tammybyrd1054]

Looks great!! Hate to ask but what happened to the other fish? Are they still there also?

[@michaeleschen2467]

Kevin I was worried for your toes while you were swinging that mattock in flip flops

[@Lisa-zp4pc]

It all looks great! Love the plants that were picked. Do you know the name of the grasses? Very nice!

[@SonniesGardenPA]

I love your pond. The new fish are cute, how big will they get?

[@ronaldcummings6337]

If you look at the composition of the most sought after soil type sandy loam it is roughly seventy percent sand clay can be permanently modified with enough sand, maybe not on a large scale,but certainly in a flower or garden bed or two

[@colincook2910]

Clay + sand + manure= adobe bricks used to make houses. Your soil composition of minerals isn’t really changeable, but my adding organic matter you break up the clay because it chemically breaks apart the clay bonds to each other. Also adds water holding capacity. Please don’t add sand to clay!