Info & Care Sheets

• Container Water Gardening For Small Spaces

  Don’t let limited space prevent you from enjoying water gardening!
  Even those with apartments can have a small water garden in a container.

  A decorative glass bowl or dish can be transformed into a water garden by adding a floating water plant and a gold fish.  Balconies or decks offer a great opportunity to add a small water feature such as a decorative water basin with plants and small fountain.   An old vintage watering can or pail with water plants can be placed in your yard as a small, whimsical water garden.

  1. Select a pot for your container water garden.	2. Cover the hole at the bottom with duct tape.

  
  

  Anything with a basin can be used as a water garden container.  If terra cotta pots are used, they need to be sealed on the inside with polyurethane; allowed to dry; and then sealed again.  Ceramic pots with glazed interiors/exteriors do not need to be sealed.  If the container has drainage holes, these need to be filled with plumber’s epoxy.  First seal the hole on the exterior with tape; then press the epoxy firmly into the interior hole to avoid air pockets.  Allow the epoxy to dry thoroughly.  Once the epoxy dries, fill the container with water and let it sit for two to three days to check the seal and to allow the chlorine in the water to dissipate.

  3. Seal hole with plumber's epoxy.	4.  Fill container with water and let sit for 2-3 days.

  
  

  You can now add plants to your basin or container.   There are many possibilities of plants to use in water gardens from floating plants to Egyptian Papyrus for a dramatic background effect!  You will want to incorporate oxygenating plants (such as Anachris  and Vallisneria) into your water feature as these plants out compete algae for nutrients and help balance your  small water feature.

  5. Add plants and decorative stones.

   

  If you chose to use a pump or fountain, place your container near an electrical source.  It is important to use a ground fault interrupter (GFI), as well as a grounded electrical cord.

  Mosquitoes can be averted by incorporating one of several methods such as: adding goldfish (they eat mosquito larvae), adding “Mosquito Dunks” which is a natural, safe way of minimizing mosquito populations; or utilizing a pump to keep the water moving.  (Mosquitoes are not attracted to moving water, only still, quiet water.)

  6. Choose a method to control mosquitos- a pump, goldfish, or 'Mosquito dunks.	7. Enjoy your water garden anywhere you want!

  These are just a sampling of ideas for Urban Gardeners to consider.
  Having a water feature does not require a lot of space, only imagination! 

  Stop by Linder’s Garden Center for help
  to create your own water garden possibilities!

  Posted on June 27, 2012

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