Does anyone know how deep a pond has to be to grow a lotus? I am wanting to convert a cottage garden bed into a pond next spring.
Cheryl
Dreaming of a pond
Another view.
Hi Cheryl, haven't got any lotus so can't say for them. I googled and found this that may help. http://www.bonniesplants.com/lotus/how_to_grow/more_lotus.htm
I know for our area 24" deep is what they suggest for koi fish and water lilies do fine in winter at that depth.
That area looks so pretty, but I can understand the desire for a pond.
I am not worried about freezing, just wondering how deep lotus go. I think the area is too small for much of a pond but I can work in one big enough for some gold fish and aquatic plants.
Cheryl
BTW what do you think about those galvanized watering troughs for a pond?
They are pretty deep and if sunk would work I believe. Christi (LouC) has one above ground and empties it in the winter, but uses it for water plants in the spring through fall. She did have fish, but it got too hot in the summer so she gave them to a neighbor.
Did not think about the heat, though burying it most of the way would reduce the temperatures.
C
Around here you would need to put in a bubbler or fountain to keep the water moving because of mosquitos. Even then they will find a way, around plant stems, etc.
Well how about mosquito dunks and mosquito fish?
C
I use the dunks myself not sure how well it works, still have loads of those buggers around because of low areas around us hold water.
Haven't tried the mosquito fish yet.
This message was edited Oct 26, 2009 2:19 PM
Lotus more go wide than deep. Maybe 8-10 inches deep of water to grow, and then yeah, extra protection in the winter. But lots of room to spread out.
I've got one container pond in a small (20 gallons?) galvanized container and it's fine. I just got this container because one of the neighbors gave it to me. I think if I were buying something new, I'd go with dark plastic, just for a more discrete appearance, but some people like the galvanized for sort of a country atmosphere. I've also got a couple of really small (2 gallons?) white-painted metal wash pans. They would be too small for lotus to spread out, but work well for iris and pickerel weed. Any of those I think you could tuck into the lovely garden you have, without ripping it out entirely.
We just scoop some minnows out of the creek in the spring and let them eat the mosquitoes.
The area won't be devoid of plants but I really want as large a pond as I can make myself. I plan on leaving many of the ground cover and smaller plants and maybe just moving them around the edge. I am not sure I want to dig a large hole and that is why the trough idea is appealling. I can dig a smaller hole and sink it part way. To me the metal has a modern feel to it, something very strange in my yard but it might be fun. LOL I have some colored bowling balls I might put in there just to add to the modern theme. Thanks for the advice about the lotus, I definately want to try one.
Cheryl
A friends pond This in Northern California where winter temps are in the minus and in summer really big skeeters ,,a big first year of retirement type of project
They did a great job, good project with long lasting pleasure.
I don't imagine mine will look that good or manicured. Just hoping for a small pond to grow water plants and something that splashes for a little sound. I have a tiny pump and some fake bamboo spout that I will likely use. I am pretty cheap when it comes to making things outside. The only thing that has stopped me from the project is the digging. Since I have so many plants in there I want to keep and a couple of large, heavy pots its going to be quite a job. Spring seems the best time for the plants sake.
Cheryl
For mosquitoes, just put in a few 25 cent goldfish. 2 or 3 will do the trick. Once established, you won't have to feed them & they consider mosquito larvae a delicacy!
Jo-Ann
It sounds like you really want a clawfoot bathtub pond. Just go to a salvage/junk place that carries really bad ones. Slap some paint on the sides and put a fountain thru an old faucet. If you want it to stay warmer, dont get one with feet and submerge it about 75 percent in the ground. They really look great.
Yea, I thought about the bathtub but cant find one and they are not cheap. Still in the planning stage so who knows what will eventually emerge.
C
Cheryl... This one is a small poly pre-formed pond that is about 3 foot in diameter and 18" deep. It isn't deep enough to over-winter fish in but makes a nice drip/bubbler sound. I also dropped a light in for added interest at night.
