Q. After three years of success with a small pond with an internal pump and waterfall, last year I had a BIG algae problem. (Rubber liner, pea gravel and small- to medium-sized rocks / a couple of clumps of iris transplanted from a small lake on our property). Just finished winter clean up and have started it up for this season. What do you suggest in the way of plant material, or additives, to get rid of the algae?
-Baysville, Ontario
A. You don’t mention that you have fish in your pond. If you have fish, they’ll help keep the pond naturally balanced, which in turn will help with the algae control. As a general rule, you want 1 inch of fish for every 10 gallons of pond water. There are a few ways to help combat algae control – both naturally and chemically. Some helpful information is available at this web page: http://www.aquascapeinc.com/ownermanualmaintenance. Be sure to scroll toward the second half of the page where it says “Algae Control.”
-Jennifer Zuri, Aquascape, Inc.
One Comment
I can’t really answer either without a pic, but I’ve never had a bug of any kind eat a large hole out of my tomatoes. I’m thinking it might be birds or rats. I have had birds poke out just one hold, and rats tend to eat a large piece, and leave the rest.
In order not to hurt the birds, I’d use this formula, which will kill the insects, but not the birds:
1/3 cup Murphy’s Oil Soap
1 tbsp baking soda
1 gal. water
Spray in the cooler part of the day, never during the midday, or it may burn your plants.