Winter. The pond sleeps. Nothing much to do, or is there?

FEEDING:
As January, you shouldn't be feeding your fish as they are hibernating. Should the weather be sufficiently warm for them to move and feel hungry, they will find enough food in the pond.

ICE:
As January, ensure your pond is prepared for the onslaught of ice. See the advice on our December page

PUMPING & FILTRATION:
If you are still using your pond pump and filter, then subject to the size and depth of your pond it should only be for a few hours a day. Your pump needs to have been raised to the top third area of the ponds' water. This enables the lower levels to remain still, warmer and thus beneficial to your fish. See the advice  on our November page

PLANTS:
Tidy up poolside plants this month; remove dead foliage and weed the bog garden As growth brings in established clumps of hostas they can be divided and replanted. Alpine plants will be flowering in the poolside rockery; do not use slug pellets close to the pool as they may get dislodged into the water and harm the fish.

NEW CONSTRUCTION:
A good month to construct new ponds if the ground is not frozen, ready for planting next month. If working with concrete, be sure to include anti-freeze in the mix as long as there is a danger from frost.