The growing capacity of your garden does not have to be limited to what can be grown in the soil. Plants that grow in water not only add to the aesthetic appeal, but they also aid the overall functionality of the above ground pond. Advantages of aquatic plants include:
The advantage of investing in aquatic plants is that you are able to further enjoy and reap the rewards of your hard work. Keep in mind that 65-80% water surface coverage is ideal. There is an array of different plants that grow in the water and that suit different environments.
Free-floating aquatic plants are an excellent addition to a Growing Dome above-ground pond as they require no soil, instead drawing nutrients directly from the water. These plants help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing algae growth, and providing shade to regulate water temperature. Their roots dangle freely below the surface, offering shelter for fish and other aquatic life while also increasing oxygen levels. Since they do not need to be anchored, they can easily be moved or thinned out as needed to maintain balance in the pond.
Mosquito Fern and Duckweed are types of highly invasive floaters. Once they are part of the pond ecosystem, they are very difficult to get rid of. They tend to quickly take over the water surface and may end up competing with other plants for essential nutrients. When these floaters start to take over, they can be added to a compost pile or act as food for chickens.
These water-loving plants need to be potted in containers with a heavy aquatic soil mix and placed below the water’s surface. To ensure they remain at the correct depth, they require stands to support them at the optimal height. In smaller Growing Domes, flowering may be limited, but their unique leaf structures provide excellent surface coverage, adding texture and visual interest to the pond. When selecting stands, avoid cement blocks or any materials that could alter the pond’s pH balance or risk puncturing the liner.
Marginal plants typically grow in the shallow water or consistently moist soil around a pond’s edge. In a Growing Dome above-ground pond, these plants are placed in floating planters filled with aquatic planting medium or a specialized aquatic soil blend. These plants provide natural filtration and also create opportunities to grow unique edible plants that thrive in wet conditions. By incorporating marginal plants, you can introduce diverse textures, colors, and varieties that wouldn’t typically be possible in a standard greenhouse environment, enriching both the aesthetics and functionality of your Growing Dome.
These plants that grow in water provide oxygen for your pond. They should sit at least 24″ under the water’s surface to provide oxygen to the lower water regions of our ponds. The primary oxygenators include anacharis, hornwort, and foxtail. The preferred technique in our ponds would be to suspend them inside a mesh bag (with a smooth rock added to keep the mesh bag hanging low in the water).
If you find you have an excess of algae in the pond, here are some possible reasons:
Floating plants in the pond rely on the fish for their nutrients. Goldfish and Koi are the most common types of fish raised in the Growing Dome pond. Local pet stores or fisheries are the best place to get freshwater fish, but they may also be purchased online and shipped to your door overnight.
We recommend waiting a few weeks after adding your water plants before introducing fish into your pond. This lets the environment adjust and be more stable for your fish. It is also important to treat tap water and test well water before adding fish to your pond. Water softeners are not recommended for your above ground pond because they replace electrolytes necessary for your fish (calcium and magnesium) with sodium, resulting in death of the fish.
Edible fish can also be harvested in the Growing Dome, whether you have aquaponics in your greenhouse or not. Tilapia is probably the most common and will require more oxygenation than goldfish. You must also keep your pond above 50°F or they may die, but they will add a sustainable source of protein to your diet while also giving your plants additional nutrients! Please do your own research on food safety when consuming fish from your Growing Dome. Other edible fish varieties include Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Catfish, and Bass.