Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/watergarden.html

Keep Aquatic Plants Healthy
July 2002
Scott Davies, Johnson's West 13th Store Manager, Kansas Certified Nurseryman

    With summer well upon us and fall around the corner, there are
several things you can be doing to keep aquatic plants thriving during
the hot summer months.

    Keep adding Microbe-Lift PL bacteria to the water weekly. This helps
keep algae down and the water clearer. Also, check the filter pads to
see if they need to be washed out. This will improve water circulation
which helps to keep more oxygen in the water. Here are a few tips for
caring for the different types of aquatic plants.

    Water LiliesÑYou should fertilize lilies every 3-4 weeks with one
Pondtabbs tablet per gallon of soil to produce a larger plant with more
blooms. Remove any dead leaves and flowers throughout the summer. In the
fall, stop fertilizing about three weeks prior to the average first
frost. In the Wichita area, that will be around the third week of
September.

    Marginal PlantsÑThese plants play an important role in the pond by
adding shade on the water. They also add color and texture to the water
garden and provide a transition to the surrounding landscape. All that
needs to be done with these plants is to remove dead leaves and flowers
and fertilize every 4-5 weeks with one Pondtabbs tablet per gallon of
soil.

    Hardy LotusÑThese are an excellent addition to any water garden with
their large leaves and beautiful flowers. They can even be grown in a
container garden. Their needs are simple. Remove dead foliage and
fertilize regularly. We recommend two Pondtabbs tablet per gallon of
soil every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizer is very important if you want your
lotus to bloom and grow well. Once they start blooming, keep fertilizing
until fall. As with water lilies, stop fertilizing about three weeks
prior to the average first frost.

    If you want to add more plants to your water garden it's still not
too late. Stop by any one of the three Johnson's Garden Center locations
to see the great variety of water plants we carry and other water garden
supplies that are available. If you would like to build your own water
garden, stop by and we can provide expert advice as well as quality
products to help you create a beautiful oasis in your own backyard.