[tessiesplot]

I've just dug out a pond on my plot to attract a few frogs & things to eat slugs, has anybody got any ideas about pond plants to keep the water clear ?? :?

[compostqueen]

I cadged some oxygenators for mine.  The water clears really well.  Give it time   Rabbits nicked or dug up loads of my pond marginals and perennials etc  :roll:

[poultrygeist]

I think the golden rules are
full sun
no overhanging trees or shrubs to drop leaves
plenty of floaters and oxygenators.
plenty of big stones or pavers round the edge for frogs/toads to hide under.
some tall reeds for mayflies or dragonflies to lay eggs on.
Definitely no rich compost or soil to plant in. Use aquatic soil or the nutrients will encourage the algae and blanket weed.

Enjoy it. You'll also get plenty of birds washing in it.

Rob

[bedrockdave]

I made a pond last year  and put in loads of toad spawn , we watched and fed the tadpoles with wheatgerm  right up to the tiny toads crawling out into the big wide world.  but, seen nothing of them since. Have been told that they
go back to the place they were hatched to spawn again , does anyone know if this is true and if so ,assuming they have lived , am I going to be inundated with toads soon  :?:  :?:  :?

[richyrich7]

I made a pond last year  and put in loads of toad spawn , we watched and fed the tadpoles with wheatgerm  right up to the tiny toads crawling out into the big wide world.  but, seen nothing of them since. Have been told that they
go back to the place they were hatched to spawn again , does anyone know if this is true and if so ,assuming they have lived , am I going to be inundated with toads soon  :?:  :?:  :?

Yep it's true but if toads are like frogs they won't return until they are sexually mature at about 2 years of age. Looky you I love toads not seen one for years  

[Ruby Red]

The best thing apart from oxygenaters, is to put in a big load of Barley straw. Put it in a mesh bag and weigh it down with a brick or stone then throw it in the deepest part. After a couple of months it will start to rot down and clear your water. It is brilliant for caddis fly larva and other wildlife. Its a very old way of sorting out the pond and was discovered to work when a farmer accidently had a bale drop off his trailer into a pond while he was driving his cart through. Never be tempted to use chemicals. this really does work  

[Adrian]

I know this sounds like a silly question, but ....

My allotment is surrouinded by a wire fence to keep the rabbits out (I think the holes are about 1 1/2 inch, from memory). If I make a pond, will any amphibians be able to get in and eat my slug collection?

Cheers,

Adrian

[wighty]

Our pond is full of frogspawn.  We have to turn the telly up acouple of notches each night now to drown out the sound of their 'activity'.  They also keep getting their legs caught in the pump as they seem to like laying next to it as part of their courting procedure.

[jimroden]

I've just dug out a pond on my plot to attract a few frogs & things to eat slugs, has anybody got any ideas about pond plants to keep the water clear ?? :?

The chap next to me has a solar pump that works really well

Jim

[fluffybunny]

My allotment is surrouinded by a wire fence to keep the rabbits out (I think the holes are about 1 1/2 inch, from memory). If I make a pond, will any amphibians be able to get in and eat my slug collection?

I have rabbits and had a pond at our previous house.  I'd never have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes but full grown toads can easily squeeze through 1/2" mesh.

There is a company called dust free hay which sells barley straw in a hessian sack, may be good for sticking straight in a pond?

[tessiesplot]

Hiya
Thanx for the tips, been out on the plot so only just read them,,
I've been out looking for plants and stuff for the pond, but the girlfriend does not like frogs so i might sneak a few in there.

[poultrygeist]

Fortunately, frogs are so secretive she'll never even know...



...did you see something ?  :shock:

R

[tessiesplot]

She can probably smell them from 100 feet away, but the frog spawn might give it away..... :twisted: