About Tom Alonzo Expertise I have been an ornamental pond enthusiast for 5 years. I have goldfish and have had golden orfs, am somewhat experienced with pond fish and other pond wildlife. I have experience growing waterlilies, tropical and hardy water plants and water lotus.
Question South New Jersey
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Followup To
Question -
I have an old claw bath tub in my garden that I use as a fish pond. Each winter I bring the fish into my garage (Filtered Large Trash Can) because I think the tub will freeze from the bottom. This year I have added a waterlilie. How do I care for it over the winter. Our garage is insulated but not heated. Does the lily stay in the pot? Do I place the pot in a plastic bag?
Answer -
Hey John,
Thanx for your question. Before I answer, give me your location.
thx,
Tom
Answer Hi John,
Thanx for the additional information. South New Jersey is generally Zone 7 and your clawfoot tub will not freeze down very far. I live in Kansas and my pond seldom freezes thicker than 1/2 inch to 1 inch and this is more or less at the banks. Leave hardy waterlilies in the pot in the water. Don't take them indoors. They need to go dormant during the winter to rest and store energy for next year's growth. If you have tropical waterlilies, remove the plant and cut off the foliage. Keep the pot and soil moist but in a cool but not freezing spot in the basement or garage to keep it dormant until the water warms up enough next year to place it back in the pond. Your fish if they are gold fish or koi, also, will have no problem surviving your New Jersey winters. Just make sure the pond doesn't complete freeze over so they won't sufficate. If you allow the pond to freeze over, dead biomass in the pond produces gasses that eat up the oxygen and will result in the death of your fish. I hope this helps.
Tom
