Thanks to all for the replies. I think I'll just go with small pebbles. From
what I understand, the main purpose is to hold the plant down. It will get
all the nutrients it needs from the water. I was surprised at the number of
folks that fertilize their plants. I'd read in one of Helen Nash's books
that this was not needed and would tend to encourage algae bloom.

Do most of you "fertilizers" have a UV filter on your pond? Just curious. I
don't and go through a healthy algae bloom each spring for a few weeks. Keep
telling myself that I'm going to get a UV but haven't yet and I've been
doing this for 11 years now.

JB


"popegw" wrote in message
...
I've tried the Scotts before, along with the kitty litter, etc. but I have
found this to work best for me with my lilies and pickerel rush. I put
these plants in a pot and place enough small rocks on top to keep the
plant roots from floating up and out of the pot. The roots thrive on the
nutrients in my pond water with no fertilizer added like you have to do
with planting medium. When I clean my pond in the spring, I pull the pots
out and create new pots of plants, if needed, by breaking the root bases
apart and starting the process over again. Good luck!

"JB" wrote in message
m...
Years back I was able to purchase some pond "soil" at Lowe's & Home
Depot. It was made by Scott's, I think. It was ceramic particles actually
and not soil. It was nice because it did not float or cloud the water and
should the Koi uproot the plant it was easy enough to scoop into the
basket and replant the whatever.

I guess I could use very small pebbles like you can get for landscaping
but I wanted to check in with you guys first.

TIA

JB