How to Make a Water Garden in a Flower Pot
For a low-maintenance container garden, make a mini pond in a pot.
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 1/2 day
Estimated Cost: $350
Gary Payne
Tools and Materials
- flower pot
- fertilizer
- hose
- caulk gun
- heavy-grade plastic sheeting
- measuring tape
- plants (We used water celery, white rush, brass buttons and water lettuce.)
Prepare
Gary Payne
Choose a pot that is at least 16” wide and 12” deep so the plants will have enough space to grow. When choosing a pot, make sure the finish will match the aesthetic of the desired area.
Make It Hold Water
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
If the pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, skip to the next step. If the pot does have a drainage hole, seal it with caulk and plastic to make it water-tight.
Add Water
Gary Payne
Fill pot with water, leave one to two inches of room for plants at the top.
Add Plants
Gary Payne
Mix varieties of floating, deep water and marginal plants for a diverse aesthetic. Leave space around the plants so they’ll have room to grow. We used water celery, white rush, brass buttons and water lettuce.
Care
Gary Payne
Add a fertilizer tablet once a month to control algae growth and give the plants more nutrients. Top off the pot with water when it runs low.
