It’s easy to fall for a stunning water garden. The unique and colorful plants…the sun and moon reflecting off the water…the calming whisper of a small fountain – it’s enough to put any home gardener into a trance. But what many don’t realize is that under the surface lies the true “dirt” behind the water garden’s beauty: the soil.
Two distinctly different types of soils are needed for inside and alongside water garden ponds. The soil for aquatic plants submerged within the liner generally should have moderate fertility and a dense texture, as well as permit water to easily penetrate the plant roots. It’s sold in premixed bags, or you can blend your own from sterile potting soil, humus and sand. Shoreline plantings outside the liner, on the other hand, require moist garden loam. To properly prepare your soil for either type of planting, just take the steps shown in the two following sets.
Submerged Plant Soil
Submerged Plant Soil - Step 1
Mix equal parts of humus, sand and sterile potting soil. Add a double portion of dry clay to the mix. This is your base soil for aquatic plants.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Submerged Plant Soil - Step 2
Line a submersible container with porous landscape fabric and fill it with the soil mix. Using a diffused nozzle on your garden hose, soak the soil until saturated, washing away the smallest particles.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Submerged Plant Soil - Step 3
Soak the entire soil-filled submersible container overnight in a basin of water to fully saturate it and remove all air. Any floating organic material will become saturated with water and sink – gently mix it into the soil. After planting, a top layer of pea gravel will keep the soil from washing out of the container once it’s in your water garden.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shoreline Plant Soil
Shoreline Plant Soil - Step 1
Using a
soil test kit (available at most garden centers), test the nutrients and acid-alkaline balance of your loam soil, following all kit instructions.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shoreline Plant Soil - Step 2
Amend your soil as directed by the test results and your particular plant needs. (Shoreline plants generally require acidic 5.5-6.0 pH, achieved by adding peat or leaf mold to overly alkaline soil. You can improve its texture by adding organic compost.)
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shoreline Plant Soil - Step 3
Complete your soil preparation by installing drip emitters around your water feature. They’ll provide the regular irrigation needed to keep the soil consistently moist.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
