That smell is hydrogen sulfide gas. It comes from the anaerobic digestion
of the roots and other organic debris in the pots or in the pond. I have
never found a means of potting that did not cause anaerobic bacterial
action. Some on this NG do not pot, but rather set a brick on the roots to
hold the plant up right and in place. This allows more of the water to
contact the plants roots, and reduces the anaerobic situation.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html


"Francisco" wrote in message
...
I have a little pond with two water plants, and the soil in the pots
smells
very bad; I can smell the same if I get close to the water.
Is this normal?, can I put the plants in sand or something else to avoid
the
smell?
Thank you.

Francisco