It is always a good idea to empty the soil out and if possible store indoors.

Your pond will benefit from having a filtration system. Filters keep ponds clean, clear and healthy. There are two different filters you can use, mechanical and biological. Mechanical filters trap dirt and debris in a foam pad or other mechanical media - essentially removing any dirt or debris that is in your pond. Biological filters are recommended if you have fish in your pond. Biological filtrations breaks down harmful toxins from fish waste and respiration.

Aerating your lawn will help alleviate the effects of compaction. When you aerate you remove cores of soil and these holes allow for good oxygen and gas exchange as well as improving the drainage. Spring is generally the best time to aerate but, you can do it in the fall as well.

Yes, up to ⅔ of the ponds surface should be covered to prevent sunlight from encouraging algae growth and excessive water temperatures. There are 5 different types of plants you can add to your water garden. OXYGENATORS - are natural pond filters. Competing with green-water algae for available food, they help to keep your pond crystal clear. Stock at a rate of 1 bundle per 2 square feet of pond surface area. FLOATERS - These plants don’t have to be planted. Simply place them in the water and they will grow. Floaters have two important functions aside from adding texture and sometimes flowers to the pond surface. Free flowing roots absorb minerals from the water (helping to out compete green water algae), while their exotic leaves offer shade and cover to the fishes below. Stock at a rate of 3 plants per 10 square feet. Tropical plants, cannot tolerate frost and are better treated as annuals. MARGINALS - Offer upright interest to an otherwise flat waterscape, this group of plants has lots to offer. Their preference is for shallow water and in return their roots adsorb algae causing nutrients from the water, while their tops add visual interest, shade and flowers to the ponds edge. Marginal plants should be lowered to a depth of only 1 to 6 inches. They grow out of the water and are usually found at the water's edge. SUBMERGED PLANTS - All ponds should have submerged plants to help maintain clean, pure water. These plants deter algae growth by using excess nitrogen and putting oxygen into the water. Completely submerge the top of the pot to a depth of at least 12 inches. WATERLILIES - Not only grace the pond with exotic foliage and flowers but they do so while providing much-needed shade and refuge. Hardy water lilies bloom from June through September depending on the weather and become dormant during the colder months. These lilies can be left in a pond year round. As spring approaches, growth begins again.