50 · Seasonal Calendar

A pond is not a set-and-forget feature. Here is what to do, and when, across the year.

Spring (March–May)

• Cut back dead growth from last year; remove dead leaves and stems.
• Restart pumps and filters; clean mechanical media in pond water.
• Divide and repot overgrown marginals; top up baskets with fresh compost.
• Begin feeding fish once water stays above 10°C consistently.
• Check for frog spawn; leave it undisturbed.
• Top up dechlorinated water if evaporation dropped levels over winter.

Summer (June–August)

• Monitor water level daily in heat; top up as needed.
• Thin oxygenators if they crowd the surface; remove blanket weed by hand.
• Feed fish 2–3 times daily in warm weather; stop if water exceeds 28°C.
• Check pump flow; clean impellers if flow drops.
• Net leaves before they fall if trees overhang.
• Watch for algae bloom; add shade plants or reduce feeding.

Autumn (September–November)

• Net fallen leaves daily; decomposing leaves produce toxic gases.
• Reduce feeding as water cools; stop below 10°C.
• Cut back dead marginal foliage; leave some standing for overwintering insects.
• Clean filters thoroughly before winter shutdown.
• Move tropical plants indoors before first frost.
• Check liner edges; re-secure any frost-heaved sections.

Winter (December–February)

• Keep a hole in the ice (de-icer or float) for gas exchange.
• Never crack ice — the shockwave harms frogs and fish.
• Stop feeding entirely; fish metabolism is too slow to digest.
• Remove snow from ice to let light reach underwater plants.
• Inspect equipment; order replacement parts for spring.