How to Build a Garden Pond

Building a garden pond in your backyard will incorporate the peaceful sounds of running water and add visual appeal to the garden design. Water plants and fish can be added to the pond as well. It is not complicated, but building a garden pond does require a lot of digging.

Things Needed:

• Pond liner


• Pump


• Shovel


• Landscaping rock


• Spray paint for marking the ground

1. Choose the location for the pond. Pick an area that is relatively level and that receives a lot of sunlight. Outline the area selected with the spray paint.


2. Call the local utility companies to have them mark all underground pipes and wiring to make sure it is safe to dig in the desired area.


3. Dig the hole for the pond to a depth of about 2 to 3 feet. If planning on adding plants to the pond, take this into consideration when digging. Shelves can be left around the edges at varying heights to provide a ledge to set the plants on.


4. Place the liner in the hole. Make sure to leave an adequate overlap around the edges of the pond.


5. Put landscaping rocks on top the liner in corners and on shelves to hold it in place until it is filled. Also, place rocks on the liner around the outer edge of the pond to keep it in place.


6. Create a grade of about 10 degrees sloping away from the pond around the perimeter. This will prevent dirt and debris from running into the pond when it rains.


7. Fill the pond with water.


8. Set up the pump according to the directions provided. If possible, route the cord so that it can be hidden with landscaping rock or plants.


9. Stack rock or gravel around the edges of the pond to cover the edge of the liner.


10. Allow the pond to sit with the pump running for 48 hours before adding plants.


11. If fish will be added to the pond, dechlorinate the water first.