Planting Instructions

For most pools and ponds, planting in containers is preferred to placing soil in the bottom of the pool. Container planting allows you to vary the depths as needed by different plants and also makes feeding plants and cleaning the pond much easier.

Do not use a planter made of redwood - it will discolor the water. Do not use any potting mixes, peat moss, compost, steer manures or commercially bagged soil all contain herbicides. Use only garden topsoil. Prepare planters by filling one-half full with good topsoil and mix suggested amount of Van Ness fertilizer in bottom half only. Fill to top with soil and plant as directed. All bare-root plants should be dipped in Super Thrive before planting to increase viability, to aid in growth rate and for faster establishment.

Water Lilies

For maximum growth and flowers, water lilies should be planted in the largest container possible. Ideally the planter should have six to eight inches of water over the soil line. If the pool is deep, prop the container up with blocks or bricks. If pool is shallow use a shallower planter and do not have less than four inches of water over the soil line. In ponds with limited sunlight, water lilies should never have more than six inches of water over the soil line. Hardy water lily tubers are planted at a 45-degree angle against the side of the planter with the crown (portion of the tuber where the stems of the leaves and buds originate) out of the soil. Tropical water lilies are planted in the center of the planter with the crown out of the soil.

Oxygenating Grasses

Plant in the center of the container making sure that oxygenating grass bunches are firmly planted one-third into the soil. Lower the planter to bottom of pond. Distribute planters throughout pond. There should be no more than 24 inches of water over pot.

Bog Plants

Plant evenly spaced in planter and place in pond so that the soil line is one to four inches below the surface of the water.

Ornamental Grasses

Use two bunches per planter. Plant ends of grasses firmly in center of planter. Place in pond so that soil line is one to four inches below water.

Small Water Flowering Aquatics

Place in pond with one to four inches over soil line.