Containers
In smaller ponds, aquatic plants benefit from being grown in containers as this prevents them becoming too large or invasive. Proprietary containers (aquatic baskets) usually have lattice sides to allow water and gas movement. All but those with a finer mesh need lining with hessian or polypropelene materials to prevent soil washing from the container.

Soil
Compost suitable for planting aquatic plants should be a medium to heavy loam. Garden soil can be used if it is suitable and free from fertiliser and herbicides. Otherwise proprietary aquatic compost should be used which may also contain a slow-release fertiliser.

Feeding
Hungry plants such as waterlilies, benefit from regular dividing and re-potting in fresh soil. They may benefit from a supplementary feed in the spring of a specialist aquatic feed, when not being potted on, to encourage better flowering.

Planting

·  Mid-spring is the best time to purchase new plants through to early summer. At this time the water is warming up and plants should start to grow.

·  Choose an appropriate container for the size of the plant.

·  For stability, ballast in the form of large rocks or stones may be needed in the base of containers for taller plants.

·  Part fill the container with compost.

·  Plants should be planted to the same depth as in the original container, and rhizomes planted at the surface.

·  Firm plants in well.

·  Add shingle, or heavier pebbles as a finishing layer to prevent bottom feeders such as koi from dislodging the plants.

Deep water aquatics
Can be bought as container grown or bare-rooted plants. Container-grown plants may need potting into larger containers. Bare-rooted plants should have old roots and large leaves removed before planting. Plants may need to be raised on bricks and lowered in stages as their leaves reach the surface, until the appropriate depth is reached.

Floating plants
Introduce floating aquatics to the pool by placing gently on the waters surface. Clumps may need separating first. One plant per square metre of surface area should be sufficient. Avoid invasive floating plants such as Azolla filiculoides (fairy moss) and Lemna minor (duckweed), especially in larger ponds.

Marginals
If bought in plastic pots or small baskets, replant into aquatic baskets. When planting bare-rooted plants in summer, trim back the tops by half and trim the roots back to within 2.5cm (1in) of the crown.