Easy Water Garden Goldfish Pond

If you think having a water garden has to be complicated, you’d be wrong. I am here to show you that you can have a simple and EASY water garden goldfish pond.

*This post contains affiliate links to products or companies that I truly love and believed in before I joined the affiliate program. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may be compensated at NO COST TO YOU.*

 

CONTAINER:

First you need to get a container and there are many options. You can buy specially made containers such as this one:

 

But if you’d like to spend less than that, you can do like my Mama did for many years when I was a kid, and purchase a kiddie wading pool which is readily available from most any local dollar store.

Or for no cost at all, you can use a container that you already own. In past years I have used a washtub and an enamel pan.

Now I use an iron washpot that belonged to my Grandfather, Uncle Henry.

 

SETUP:

Most all of these containers are made of plastic and should be buried in the ground. The ground will insulate the pond and keep the water cooler in the hot summer months and warmer in the cold winter months. Turn your container upside down and mark the outline on the ground with spray paint, or flour, or just dig a small trench around it. Continue to dig until you have a hole that is deep enough to hold your container up to the rim, which should sit on top of the ground. The exception here is my iron wash pot. It will remain above ground.

*These instructions are known to work in the South. If you live in the North, you will most likely have to make adjustments.*

 

ADD WATER:

You are now ready to fill your container with water. The water will then need to sit for a few days so that all of the chemicals in the water can evaporate before you add any fish.

 

ADD PLANTS:

There are several reasons to add plants to your outdoor fish pond:

• Shade for the water will keep it a cooler temperature in the heat of summer
• Provide a place for fish to hide for protection from predators
• Shade also slows down the growth of algae
• Plants look pretty!

ADD FISH:

And now the most fun part of all is when you get to add the fish! After your water has rested a few days you can add goldfish but don’t overdo it. Depending on the size of your pond, you can overcrowd them if you put too many. I usually put 6-8 in my wash tub.

When you get them home, place the bag of fish into the water unopened and let it float there for an hour or two. This will allow the water inside the bag to become the same temperature as the water in you new pond. This helps the fish acclimate to their new environment.

Release your fish into the water and Bob’s your uncle!*

FINAL NOTES:

• Outdoor fish can survive without feeding.
• No need for cleaning. This is a pond, not an aquarium.
• Water evaporates quickly. Add water as needed, preferably rain water.

Have you ever had a water garden? Or a goldfish pond?  You might also be interested in watching this video of the Goldfish Dinner time.