Algae

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JenniferG Shalimar, FL(Zone 8a) Aug 26, 2003

We have a pond with a little stream. It recirculates through a biofilter and works very well. But the stream produces an abundant and continuous crop of stringy algae. It seems a shame to discard the stuff..does anyone know if it is of any use in the garden?

Post #627426
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leisurlee East Barre, VT(Zone 4a) Aug 28, 2003

Jennifer, can you post a pic? We had a really nasty algae in our pond which we've been skimming for the last several years. When we bought our house, we put in the canoe in the pond with the recycling buckets and spent two days skimming the algae. I thought it would be GREAT compost, but it dried out to the most impenetrable hard crust that was good for nothing. Rain couldn't soak through and it took years to break down in our cold compost pile. Now I just throw it over the edge of the pond.

FYI: Gardeners Supply sells these great barley balls and barley mats that kill the stuff. We almost have none left. AND, when the barley mats are done, you can compost those :-)

Post #630595
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JenniferG Shalimar, FL(Zone 8a) Aug 29, 2003

Thanks lee! This algae is stringy. It doesn't grow in the pond - just the stream. It sounds like it won't do in compost :( What a shame. I'll look for the barley. That sounds like the best option.

Post #630788
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gardenwife Newark, OH(Zone 5b) Sep 03, 2003

Maybe you could dig down around some of your plants and put the algae in the soil rather than on top of it. I would think it would provide some good nutrients if given the chance to decompose. Hardy stuff, even when dead, huh?

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