How to Grow an Edible Pond

Source: wikiHow

What’s better than having a water feature in your backyard? Having a water feature that you can eat! There are many varieties of edible plants that you can grow in a simple water garden. With some preparation and the right background knowledge, you can have a pond, and eat it too.

1 Select a water-safe container to create a small pond.
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Metal washtubs, preformed pond liners, and sealed ceramic pots are all great choices for your pond. A container that is 16 inches (41 cm) in diameter and 12 inches (30 cm) deep will give you enough room for 4-5 plants, which is a great size for a beginner garden.^[1]
- Containers made of wood, like a barrel, can be used only if you line the inside with a pond liner.
- Plants do better in containers with dark interiors that do not reflect light away from the pond.
- The container does not have to be visible. You can bury it in the ground or surround it with rocks or decking.
- If you plan to bring your container indoors permanently, or just for the winter, make sure you select a container that you’ll be able to transport easily.
2 Build an outdoor pond if you want a larger water feature. Larger ponds are possible if you have the yard space to dig a large hole that is at least 1.5–2 feet (0.46–0.61 m) deep and 7 by 4 feet (2.1 by 1.2 m) wide. Building it to this size will help ensure the health of the pond water. Line it with a pond liner that is at least 4 feet (1.2 m) larger than the pond itself.
- Larger, in-ground ponds are complex ecosystems that can be difficult to balance and manage if you are new to pond management.^[2]
3 Choose a location that gets 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. The plants in your pond need sunlight in order to thrive, so choose a bright spot. You also need a spot where the plants have protection from the scorching effects of afternoon sun.^[3]
- Afternoon sun is the most intense, so consider placement of your plants to maximize morning sun and provide a couple hours of late-day shade.
- Any size container of standing water can be a drowning hazard for young children, so keep this in mind when you are scoping out a spot for your water garden.
- Keep the pond away from trees that drop…