subject: Some Tips to Dig your Pond Deep Enough [print this page] If you want to dig a pond, the most important thing that you need to pay attention is about the depth. It is because the depth is very critical to the fish and the plant health. If you dig a shallow pond, your fish and your water lilies will get too hot. Besides, digging shallow pond can freeze solid and also kill all occupants when the winter comes. Therefore you have to make sure that your pond has enough depth so that your fish and water plants will grow healthy. At this time, this article is going to give you some tips that will guide you to dig your pond deep enough. So, just check out the tips below.
The first thing that you have to do is to contact or call the local extension service in your area for finding the freeze line. You should dig the pond deeper than the freeze line so that it will not freeze solid when the winter comes.
The second thing that you have to do is to mark the boundaries of your pond, and then start digging. You can start to dig in the middle and then throw out the soil of your pond for about 2 feet past the edge of the pond.
The third thing that you should do is to dig the edges last. It is very important for you to not step on the edges because they can break. You have to make them strong by using roofing flashing or other sturdy materials so that they will hold up the wall.
The fourth thing is to measure and also make sure that you are deeper than the freeze line by at least a foot. So, your fish will not get any problem when living there through the winter. Do not forget to keep the hole open in the ice so that the gases can be exchanged.
Lastly, after you have reached the necessary depth, you need to flatten the bottom, remove all shells, sticks, roots, and any other sharp objects from the bottom. Thus, you will get the bottom as smooth as you can get it.
