I Built a Backyard Pond 3 Years Ago, Here's What It Looks Like Today

I had @GregWittstockThePondGuy out to the homestead to review the Epic Pond! Greg is the owner of Aquascapes, who came out to install this pond just over three years ago. See what he thinks of it, and what I could do to make it even better!
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[@borisnecakovski3805]

When he said cull I was like oh damn thats a bit mean, and Kevin probably thinking okay cull cull, chickens! Then Kevins idea is announced, hes like "or I mean, you could give them away" 😂

[@Phalaenopsisify]

Looks nice but the pond man seemed surprised by you suggesting the hens could eat the fish! On the topic of adding lights I would suggest being a bit conservative with artificial light, insects and many other wild animals get stressed and their sense of daytime and nighttime is disturbed, light pollution is a big and global problem.

[@sherriianiro747]

Exactly - light pollution bad for migrating birds too!

[@theheardhomestead]

Yeah he was a little put off by the chickens eating the fish. But he is a fish/pond guy. Not a homesteader like Kevin that thinks of ways to use things right there in the homestead.

[@intelligentfemales1587]

I am not a fan of outdoor lights either. If you must light the outdoors, please use as few natural temp, downward facing fixtures as possible. The night sky provides all the light we need, if we are not in tree cover .

[@user-xq1yo2yw6x]

Artificial light in natural pond...Yeah, it will be a crime. Also, fish need to sleep as well otherwise they will be stressed and hiding all the time.

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

I’d LOVE to see Jacques do a smaller container pond! I love a natural looking dug-in pond but I think there are also very neat and accessible pond options that he could explore that could be more of a tucked in, concise feature. And let’s be honest…he has already maxed out his space and isn’t a big maintenance fan. So a small galvanized trough or a wine barrel or something like that would be a really cool juxtaposition to Kevin’s pond. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for that to be the case because I think ponds are so important for gardeners to have and understand to benefit the ecosystem of their space. But not everyone can handle or wants a big one 🩵

[@allegraa6000]

Yes, please! I want to build a decktop container pond this summer and would love this. Kevin's pond is incredible but also so aspirational. Would love to learn how to maintain a smaller system for some basic water plants and dragonfly habitat.

[@Idontwantachannel67]

Yes I would love to see how to make a smaller pond for myself that is low maintenance. How do you keep raccoons out of the pond and from eating the fish?

[@Shart-santha]

Fantastic idea! I was thinking of doing something similar myself! I’d love to see what they do so I can learn from any mistakes 🤣🤣.

[@jakobbodnar9360]

When you do your pond clean out, save the muck for your garden!! Use a large barrel to settle out the muck. Very high in nutrients and diatoms.😊

[@selenacy]

I lol’ed at Greg’s reaction to Kevin’s idea of feeding the mosquito fish to the chickens 😅

[@SarahJeanMurray]

That made me laugh. He couldn't form words for a moment. 😂

[@r.e.m2676]

I delivered some of the rock for that build. Highly impressive build. One day I hope to have a pond of such scale.

[@GregWittstockThePondGuy]

“I ❤ MY JOB!”

[@smas3256]

Thanks. Great ideas.

[@Shart-santha]

I can tell! You have so much knowledge, it was really awesome listening to you talk about even the smallest details!

[@jakobbodnar9360]

When you visit your fish put your hand in the water every day. Sometimes with food. They will come say hello more often. Mine follow me around the pond, it's very cute.

[@ethernetgirl2001]

the laugh at the beginning is so silly lol

[@user-ei2qn9kv1m]

When the lens got close to the pond, I thought it was a wild aquascape. Wildness can be found even in small ponds😲 I was surprised that it was possible to create such an original aquascape.🙀 That fluffy grass is also really nice😊 I watched a video about American stones and rock a while ago. To be honest, I thought those rocks and stones were amazing. Close to art Dynamic or delicate Honestly, I was so surprised that I lost my nerves It seems like there is a world out there that I don't know yet.

[@jelegget]

I feel like my man was not ready for the, "feed'm to the chickens"

[@BigboiiTone]

What a great guy. Glad you had him on the show for the "hot rod pond!" And I am surprised Kevin never had done the bro hug. You'd think a bunch of young guys would have all the handshakes and hug techniques down

[@808DooTS]

Pond is looking good, some nice recommendations from Greg no surprise! I was in the aquarium/pond keeping hobby long before I got into gardening, watching Greg the Pond Guy and many others and now getting into gardening to see Greg show up. It's safe to say there's a lot of bene-fish-al (not sorry) overlap between keeping aquariums and gardens. With that said, if you're planning to regularly cull the mosquito fish perhaps consider turning them into your own fertilizer and see how one of the beds/crops perform. Would LOVE to see a vid on that! I know some people who have a lot of fish (fishers, breeders, or invasive control efforts) might give their scraps/culls to gardeners or farmers. The hens would probably love some surf to go with their turf too, either way it will eventually make it to the garden.

[@trayvixk4642]

I can't believe it's already been 3 years since Kev's gotten the pond. It looks wonderful and I love the fluffy Mexican feather grass.

[@brianmoore4299]

Jacques would have to sacrifice some growing space for that to occur. You are genuinely a generous individual for gifting him a pond. Your pond looks fantastic BTW

[@jiraniku6550]

This is a crossover that i really love

[@zombiebychoice]

end of the video with the "this pond would REALLY be a 10/10 with gamer lights"

[@PlantObsessed]

Whoa whoa... You cheating on Jacque? He is your giggle buddy. 😂

[@peggythomas2103]

I have a koi pond that needs to be drained and cleaned up. New filters and clarifier to have clear water and see all the fish. But being retired it’s a lot to do by oneself. I had emptied it two years ago and went away for five weeks for birth of a new granddaughter and came home and my clear water was green again. Omg it made me sick to see that. So hopefully I can find someone to help teach me and help cleaning it up. I love listening and watching the fish and waterfalls are so calming.

[@christinawyckoff2164]

💕 love the strawberry 🍓🍓🍓🍓 I have lots of them tiny strawberry 🍓😋 beautiful around the pond 👍

[@mariokristina]

I love the epic koi pond. So happy to see this update

[@mybelovedchaos]

Fish are very good for hens, its a good idea to feed the excess mosquito fish to the hens. Good thinking Kevin!

[@jnhetzer16]

I would love to see a video on passion fruit care and growing tips!

[@woodydietz7512]

Great information and conversation. Perfect

[@tahursh637]

Will you be filming the clean out? That would be interesting!

[@epichomesteading]

Definitely!

[@smile30981]

Absolutely stunning! The feather grass is so beautiful, I wish I had a place on my property for it.

[@GoingGreenMom]

So cool seeing an analysis of a mature ish pond ecosystems.

[@terrivance8750]

Kevin, Soooo happy to see Bobka again! 😃 When did she come back? 😊

[@JustMooshie]

The pond looks gorgeous!

[@buttonenfuego]

Jacque... DON'T. I have a pond but takes up space and is one more thing to clean and up keep. Plus if your dogs love water it will be keeping them out all the time

[@kittiew260]

Wow, how quickly 3 years has gone by. Looking fantastic

[@azokalum]

Neat to see the progression and the Q & A sesh too. Thanks 🙂

[@simplifygardening]

Love Gregs channel and ponds looking great pal

[@GregWittstockThePondGuy]

👊

[@gardeningfun7657]

Love the pond! and the ideas for the lights. Yay!

[@Fairyofthegarden]

I've been watching you since the beginning. I simply love your videos. They bring so much fun and excitement. Watching you and your channel evolve has been a highlight for me. Thank you for teaching me so many amazing things, and for keeping me laughing

[@carladelagnomes]

In all this information I was glad to hear that Bobka had been found!

[@TinMan445]

Dang those koi are big bois now! They look awesome

[@shareenbean]

My mom’s koi love being hand fed and it just happened over time. One that even liked to be pet!

[@melanieg760]

Love this! It is so beautiful! Good job!

[@Playitagaindian]

Armeria plant-the green spikey mounds with pink pom-pom flowers.

[@brandon8900]

Interesting, I had cannas in a planter last year, I'm surprised how adaptable they are to different conditions.

[@epichomesteading]

They're going NUTS in the pond right now

[@NihilusTheGreat]

That pond looks great Eric! Great job to everyone involved

[@megneticred]

Im so excited for the pond glow up!

[@vickibarana7635]

Love this! Got some great tips from Greg in this one!

[@rachelt761]

Dianthus or “pinks” are that plant you are forgetting the name of ❤ I have some in pots that I will move to the landscape later in the season ❤

[@user-rc9iu7ng6o]

How many fish do you have kevin and where did you get them from

[@ThoradansWall]

I liked your Mexican feather grass but learned they’re actually listed as invasive in California! 😮

[@D4ni3773]

Great video!

[@saal0]

The laughing bit felt like cheating

[@Lisa-zp4pc]

A pondless waterfall in jacques natural plant area would be nice since it would be a smaller footprint and a peaceful sound/look by their outdoor seating area.

[@867diesel]

very nice and peaceful

[@terrivance8750]

Kevin, OMGosh--has it really been THREE WHOLE YEARS?!!! 😯😯😯

[@BeLikeNexus]

This guys a character

[@chrislewis6574]

Ha! I first read the title as ‘Eric’ Pond Update and thought: why is Eric rearing his mischievous head again? 🤣

[@ZebtronInc]

The cat is back!!!

[@johndesrocher4289]

Submarine rides would make that area a 11/10. Probably.

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

LOL the laughing intro again but its GREG!!!

[@Shroomunati]

Imagine a dog in Kevin’s backyard

[@lexnite22]

14:50 what are those trees with the red flowers, in the background?

[@marissawagner1466]

Koi crunchies link please!!

[@BeauteeInTheGarden]

💚Very Nice!!!

[@debbiemarquis3231]

The fish seemed to like the shade from the lilies..

[@athomewithelisa]

The pink flower you forget the name of is Armeria:)

[@tpen891]

Want to get in on the buy 3 and get one free but my Mother-in-law just pass and don't have the time to talk to my husband right now about the deal. Just got three a few weeks ago and still need 8 more to complete my garden.

[@r.e.m2676]

The fact that the pond there is about 10 times bigger than it looks is crazy. You could bury a van in that thing and not know it’s there.

[@sonholee5769]

Are you still doing bird baths/houses? How about bee habitats like little bamboo sticks I've seen ads for? I'd love to help out local fauna...

[@paladinsmith7050]

Cat tails are edible and should be easy to plant.

[@judymckerrow6720]

I would LOVE to have a pond. There is NO way that I can afford one though ☹️💐💚🙃

[@brendah632]

I got some mosquito eating fish for free from our local mosquito control. I had to sign a paper that said I wouldn’t release them into any local waterways.

[@bjo867]

Ah pond guys on your channel

[@TinMan445]

I’m surprised there aren’t epic bees yet.

[@SouthernRVHomestead]

What can I put in my turtle pond that they won’t eat them

[@CallintheGUNSHIP]

BIG fish

[@tory464]

💙👍nice!

[@adamtash2891]

can you make the pond bigger? idk why but every time I see the pond I want it to be bigger lol

[@samanthamay5636]

Wait a minute....Babka is back?! ❤

[@theheardhomestead]

No, it’s Fabka. Fake Babka. That’s what they named her.

[@leonalisa9163]

Only a 9!?!? 😱

[@wild-radio7373]

🥰👍

[@graveyardbby7709]

FABKA❤️

[@unstab1e_272]

hahahahahaah!

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

Pondering about ponds.😅

[@leviduve4001]

1st comment

[@questioneverything6489]

Kevin doesn’t have 100,000 views and 10 seconds he fell off. 😂

[@epichomesteading]

I failed

[@DJ64765]

Maybe if Eric was still on the team...

[@questioneverything6489]

I kid we love you and thank you for all the knowledge.