How to create a beautiful container pond

It's easy to create a pretty pot pond, but there are a few things you need to know before you fill it with water! How to make a container pond out of a trough, a barrel, a stone sink...or anything that will hold water.
00:00 What container can I use for a pond?
00:37 Why a container pond is a good idea
01:17 How to turn an agricultural drinking trough into a container pond
02:14 How deep should a container pond be?
02:41 Should you add soil to a container pond?
03:03 How to minimise mosquitoes in a container pond
03:52 Where to place your container pond
04:59 Think about access to plugs or taps when placing the mini pond
05:59 How to choose plants for a container pond
07:50 How to create different levels in a mini pond
09:13 Can you fill your mini pond with tap water?
10:00 Wildlife friendly tips playlist: • Wildlife gardening for...
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[@user-lk2qf4rt3m]

I made a small container pond from a plastic half-barrel. I have a tiny garden space. Well, one year later and it is a thriving scene with flying hedgehogs, red leaf sorrel, forget-me-not all growing. I placed a plank across (palette wood) which allows birds to land and drink. Only had one 'problem' - hair-like algae which I scooped out once earlier in the year. I cannot overstate how much wildlife uses his tiny bucket pond in the middle of pure urbanity. It's awesome.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's lovely

[@ambercm515]

Ecologist Ken Thompson did a study on urban gardens that found that ponds with fish had much less value for wildlife (as they ate everything!). The RHS website also states: "Fish - these are top predators in a garden pond, reducing biodiversity, and they also raise nutrient levels, which encourages algae and blanketweed." Just wanted to make people aware that no fish is potentially better for wildlife, but of course any body of water will be better than none- for hedgehogs and thirsty pollinators as you point out!

[@LouciferFlump]

Can’t you have both…? One pond for the fishies and another some place else for the wildlife.

[@ambercm515]

@@LouciferFlump definitely! Good point!

[@mypreciousgarden]

Thanks ! Do they say how to fight mosquitoes without fishes ?

[@lorimiller623]

Around here, hawks are the top predators--and they eat pond fish.

[@ambercm515]

@@mypreciousgarden hi! I no longer have the book to hand, but I believe Thompson sees mosquitos as part of the natural ecosystem-if you encourage a healthy population of amphibians and birds they'll be preyed upon! I found this from the Smithsonian magazine, which summarises it quite well: While they can seem pointless and purely irritating to us humans, mosquitoes do play a substantial role in the ecosystem. Mosquitoes form an important source of biomass in the food chain-serving as food for fish as larvae and for birds, bats and frogs as adult flies-and some species are important pollinators.

[@irairod5160]

I took a very large galvanized washtub and sank it into the soil, leaving a few inches above ground. I partially filled it up with different-sized rocks (it's in the front of my house, near the sidewalk, cannot have a drowning hazard there) and surrounded it with more rocks and flagstone. Then I took the most powerful solar fountain I could find and created a very small cascade that spills into the tub. Since I'm very intent in keeping my garden mostly native, I searched until I found suitable water plants and added a "floater" and a "marginal". It looks really good! The birds, bees, dragonflies, and butterflies visit frequently. I've seen a few squirrels drinking from it, and I suspect something larger (likely a raccoon) comes at night because I find rocks moved around occasionally. I don't have fish in it because temperatures get low where I am in winter and the tub wouldn't be deep enough for the fish to survive the cold, but I use Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks that are wildlife safe to treat the water. Even at the smallest scale, a reliable source of water truly adds environmental value to a garden!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds lovely.

[@gardentours]

Thanks for sharing ⛲️ I created one last year and got addicted to it and now there are three of them in my garden. It's such a joy to watch the birds and dragonflies that enjoy the pond.

[@liammullan2197]

Just wanted to add my voice to the others how much I enjoy your channel, thank you so much. I appreciate your no nonsense approach and the way you give really practical and specific advice.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much

[@JoannaLouise200]

Thank you Alexandra ~ what an excellent idea for a town garden container pond where space is limited. The agricultural drinking trough is ideal with its narrow profile and cross-brace strengthening integral to its original use. I love what Jane Beadle has done with the boulders and plantings, and because it's all so easily accessible it can be added to or modified, become mature & evolve as a beautiful feature in its own right and as a wonderful wildlife haven. Hope you're keeping well, and having relaxing times in your own beautiful garden x

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lisagypsycarolissen7037]

I have a small barrel pond & I love it...vut sadly my fish were eaten by bull frogs. A sad reminder that a food chain does exist 🌿

[@lisagypsycarolissen7037]

but not vut..🌸

[@allenlivera1611]

That drinking trough is beautiful. Lots of good ideas to be had here, as always. Thank you, Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@melfordhorrocks3327]

You need to decide on what type of pond you want, either a fish pond or a wildlife pond. Fish and wildlife don’t mix particularly gold fish as they eat everything. I have a raised fish pond and for marginal plants I use the plant hangers that are designed to clip onto a fence around the edge of the pond. This reduces the need for bricks and stones and thereby increasing your water volume. Thanks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, we touched on this, but apart from the fish eating the larvae, even a fish pond is quite useful for insects and birds to drink from, so it's not entirely an 'either/or' . But it's a good point.

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Alexander, so nice to always watch new ideas discussed between you and Jane. Pot ponds can be very extraordinary lovely. It depends on the gardener what they are planning and a pot pond is a wonderful new venture. The planning is most important, the size, the water quality and the plants. I have always enjoyed the barrel ponds they seem to give such a calming and homely effect. Just another addition to complete the garden layout. Whatever we are going to change it does require careful planning and proper ideas/thoughts. As always it has been a super interesting garden chat, like I said before, you are such an inspiration. Much can be achieved without breaking your bank account. We are almost mid winter and hopefully the cold front coming in from the Artic will not be too bad, that usually brings black frost but it is a bit early for that episode more towards July. Guess what, I chucked some tomato seeds into the open soil and thought oh the birds can come and peck on this or the Robin will come and catch the flying bugs. Beautiful plants developed and I am trying and hoping the frost won't get to them. There are already lovely fruits showing I have really thrown the dice this time. They are covered and according to my darling son I must not expect much, well mama is a miracle believer, hopefully all will go well. Thank you for sharing the joys of gardening it is a serious challenge in our lives we just do not realise it at times. Do take care enjoy your lovely British summer! Kind regards, Elize.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! It has suddenly got really quite hot!

[@kevinjamesparr552]

At 73 last week built my big rock water fall moving boulders many time lager . It was a job that took time as deciding water flow directions was a work of art on its own Concrete gaps with water poof liquid as here cannot buy the foam sealant . Watched many videos on how to build a rock waterfall before making a start and finding it easy

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds superb.

[@LouciferFlump]

I used to have a barrel pond for years but it had a tendency to over-heat and I never had much wildlife. 2 years ago I decided to dig a “proper” pond in the same area, it’s not huge (1.5m x 3m, depth from shallow to 18” “well” in centre) but now it’s full of wildlife. Water daphne, water boatmen, pond snails, whirligig beetles, newts….it’s FTB!! So I would always recommend digging one out where it is at all possible. Maybe the container ones need to be cited somewhere a little cooler for maximum results…?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, quite possibly. Both my mini pond and Jane's are in somewhat shady parts of our garden so we haven't had the heating up issue (also I don't know where you live, but the UK isn't 'hot' all that often...)

[@LouciferFlump]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I’m in Northumberland! Lol!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you for this. Great tips.

[@jardin-du-696]

Magnifique ❤ merci!

[@catherinemurphy873]

Very interesting. Thanks 👍

[@mariedeyo7399]

Wonderful Video, thank you and Jane ❤ I have 3 little ponds with solar pumps. They are great , with plants and stones in them, so the birds and bees can drink. At the moment I have a beehive in the garden and it is interestung how much the bees use the pond to drink. We also have large trays with water in the garden for the cats and other critters. ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds brilliant. I asked Jane if she had considered a solar powered fountain but she pointed out that the pond is on the dhady side of the garden

[@mariedeyo7399]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden it makes a difference and I turn them depending where the sun is , when I am in the garden. Somethimes its just to quiet , so I know I have to turn the solar panel.

[@irenenl9349]

Regarding biodiversity, earlier this week I discovered a river crab (procambarus clarkii), a North American species, in my pond. Apparently they happily walk over grass. These small crabs are an invasive species in The Netherlands. If the local herons go fishing for them they may puncture the pond liner. It did not make me happy and now I understand why a lot of my surface oxigenators disappeared. It was not only down to a cold period in winter.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Oh, dear!

[@irairod5160]

How wonderful! I always enjoy when the two of you collaborate. 💚

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@fridgemagnet9831]

Japanese rice fish also know as medaka are a wonderful small fish for barel ponds. They can survive in a range of temperature and won't get eaten easily by birds. I use guppies in summer which breed like crazy but they usually die off in winter. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@mickydub3]

Very informative vid ........... And a great help . Many Thanks .

[@drawyrral]

Birds were bathing in my pond before I finished filling it. A pond is a great attractor of wildlife.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Brilliant!

[@sunitashastry5270]

Loved it. Very timely as I do have a container which I am planning to make into a pond. All the information will be very helpful.

[@heathermcelroy7171]

I've been thinking about a water feature for a bit now and couldn't picture one that worked in our space and with our modern style. This feeding trough might be a good fit! Thank you!

[@NadineTouzet]

I have a barrel pond and 2 goldfish. They love the mosquito larvae 😊.

[@Ted99701]

Love the video 🎉, I went for I r bird bath and bog pot with some flag iris 😋

[@catherineperry9513]

Another top video, thanks Alexandra, and lovely to see Jane’s fabulous garden again. 🙌 10:05

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zonabrown9241]

Gr8 video im thinking of a small one

[@kurthartle5473]

This is so very timely for us personally. We will soon be digging out a small pond, and these details discussed all have relevance. Thanks!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kunalkishore2938]

Very informative...Thanks Madam for posting such a wonderful video...lot to learn and try it yourself

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

My pleasure 😊

[@nikkistump3480]

Jane was on British baking show!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

She was!

[@dyanalayng5507]

Those wall planters certainly distract the eye from the gap behind that trough.

[@melepling2742]

Love your channel and the practical advice you give. I wonder if you could share how to care for bulbs in containers that you plan on keeping in containers for successive years? Since the foliage is unsightly while it yellows, I plant bulbs in liners, then replace those once the bulbs are done with other liners of annuals or perennials, but I want to keep those bulbs for doing the same next year. How do I care for them? Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

The most important thing is to add some fertiliser, water them and keep them in a sunny spot until the leaves go brown. After that they're dormant until next spring so you can storr them in a corner still in their pots. I find that not all bulbs come through every year but some.do

[@melepling2742]

Thank you! Do you store them outside? I don’t have a greenhouse. I am in zone 8.

[@charlesprice925]

FYI: If racoons are among the wild life your garden attracts, avoid water features. They will spend the night reeking havoc on it. I had to raise my concrete birdbath by a couple feet to keep them from sitting in it and knocking it off. They have crushed the boxwoods around it. The top looks pretty banged up. But at least they haven't broken it, yet.

[@SpanishEclectic]

I'd love to try a pond, but I'm already having such a problem with raccoons! Perhaps it's because other food sources have dried up as we get closer to summer, but after setting up cameras outside we discovered raccoons were eating my roses! I have several self-rooted old garden roses, and the blooms, buds, and often 10 to 12 inches of the new canes are just gone. Some are eaten down within an inch of the ground! >:( Trying Apple Cider Vinegar and leaving a floodlight on overnight, but it's maddening that almost 20 new canes that should have roses on them are chewed off. Because of their sharp teeth, the ends are cut at an angle, and at first it looked like someone might be sneaking into my garden to cut off blooms with clippers! Raccoons are cute, but they are crafty little devils!

[@charlesprice925]

@HeartMagnet I had a trash can full water and they nearly drowned. I got tired of puling them out.

[@charlesprice925]

@@SpanishEclectic You may be right. Right now they're digging up my entire garden looking for earth worms. They have gone from the easy to get ones to digging up plants that are well established. I had to replant three new roses I put in in the spring. I have burred large stones around their base to protect them and it seems to be working.

[@ChristopherDraws]

This was perfectly timed for me: I've been considering a container pond for a couple of years, but always was a little concerned quite how successful they are/had concerns about mosquito larvae. The information in this video was clear and thorough, thank you! One extra question, is there a better time of year to add plants to a pond? Is it better to add when they are dormant/after flowering, or does it make little difference?

[@haideraliibnakhlaq8823]

Mosquitoes are attracted to still water, an idea would be to add an air pump (attached to a air stone) to your future container, not only does it keep the mosquitoes at bay, it also adds character to what would other wise be water sitting in a bowl 😅

[@ev1677]

Search up barrel pond wild your garden, joel will give the perfect step by step, best in the business.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I don't personally think it makes much difference, but as one of the commenters said, Joel Ashton of Wild Your Garden is very good on wildlife ponds.

[@ev1677]

By having mozzie larvae you will attract the things that like to eat them which is what you want, a pump will deter frogs from laying spawn as they prefer still water

[@ChristopherDraws]

Thanks for the Joel Ashton recommendation - I watched his video and it was a great step by step guide.

[@Cassieskins21]

👍👍

[@alanthecat59]

😻

[@steviesfishandplants]

I see mixed views online about whether galvanised troughs are safe for fish or not. How did the fish do in this trough you featured?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

The fish seem fine. It's a galvanised drinking trough for cattle so if anything was going to leach into the water, surely that would affect the cattle? I've seen various different opinions online, but it's difficult to find anything really authoritative - ie a scientific study.

[@steviesfishandplants]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I’m glad they are doing well. I will definitely give it a go then.

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

Good video as per usual👍 but as a member i'm not seeing many perks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I know, and I'm quite concerned about this. There are various reasons why I haven't been able to fulfill my commitments and I'm going to look into how I can shut down membership and refund people. I really am sorry about this.

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I'm so sorry to hear this, I do not require a refund.

[@ODDentitypod]

Galvanized metal isn’t great as over time the galvanization will negatively affect plants and fish. Drop a cheap liner in first, then add your plants and/fish.

[@1Kent]

Rice fish is a good idea, but be aware birds love sushi!😏

[@margaretclark250]

Do you actually get mosquitoes in this country??

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Not a lot of mosquitoes but they do occasionally pop up.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I'd like to have a small container pond with no fish and no pump. I guess I can't do that without getting tons of mosquitoes. I just don't have space for a pond with a pump. I don't really have space for a pond at all. All well.

[@ev1677]

You don't need a pump, the mozzie eggs will attract other animals that eat it, a few mozzies wont harm you, go for it.

[@aussiegirl654]

Use a floating solar fountain on top. It will keep the water moving. You can buy bio balls to keep it clean. I'm going to get some myself for my water features.

[@englishwithanerudite]

One must take into consideration the sad fact that such containers may prove fatal to birds which decide to have a bath in them or drink the water and drown as a result.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm not sure where you're getting that information from - the wildlife and wild bird charities all strongly recommend mini ponds. We do cover the issue of small creatures (which I should think includes birds) needing safe ways in and out of the pond, so we've recommended adding bricks, rocks or planting but I've had a mini pond for eight years and there's never been a drowned bird in it.

[@englishwithanerudite]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden What I meant is as follows: we must highlight the fact that the safe way in and out is absolutely crucial (even a wooden board will do) and so is the depth at the edge of such a container. I have seen a dead siskin in an ornamental mini-pond created in a bucket, a dead sparrow in a washing bowl and another one in a water butt. Perhaps I have seen too many artificial ponds with plastic edges and polished-stone fountains which, in my opinion, are simply death traps.

[@teresaholland4790]

Where I live you have to pay attention to misquotes 😂

[@christinekelly3671]

these sheets fall apart ,the elastic breaks not worth the money

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sheets of what? There aren't any sheets of anything in this video so I think you might have accidentally left the comment on the wrong video?

[@gandalfstormcrow8439]

4:03 SHE DUMPED THE GRILL FOR A POND? Hey, I'm building a stock pond myself, but I WOULDN'T SACRIFICE THE GRILL! God save the king, God bless the English, no wonder they're so pale.😖

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

;)

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

You can buy anti-UV paint to protect plastic if you want to make a pond. Or use window boxes. If you have fish it will not act as a wildlife pond. The fish will eat the bugs. It's nonsense about mozis not breeding in running water. Total rubbish.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Oddly enough, she's found a few frogs in there, even though the fish, in theory, eat the tadpoles.

[@icyhotonmynuts]

How would one winterize a pond, for those that encoubter colder climates?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think it's worth consulting a pond supplier in your region because I think it would vary according to how cold your winters really get. The Impatient Gardener is in Zone 5 and talks about what she does with her pond around 8 minutes along in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXzafWOdgJxjZpo

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you for this. Great tips.