As fall winds down and temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about your pond’s seasonal transition. Prepping your pond for winter not only protects your plants and aquatic life, it also sets the stage for a smooth, vibrant comeback in the spring.
At WetPlants.com, we help pond owners coast into winter with confidence. Whether you're dealing with hardy marginals, tropical floaters, or deep-water lilies, here’s your seasonal guide to winter prep and how to plan ahead for spring success.
🍂 Step 1: Clean Out Dead Plant Material
Before the frost hits, it's important to remove any decaying plant matter from your pond. Rotting leaves and stems contribute to nutrient spikes that feed algae over winter and into early spring.
What to do:
- Trim back yellowing foliage from hardy marginals.
- Skim out fallen leaves and debris using a net.
- Pull any floating plants (like Water Lettuce or Hyacinth) if you're in a cold region. These are annuals and will not survive frost.
➡️ Need cold-hardy plants? Check out our collection of hardy marginals at WetPlants.com
🪵 Step 2: Trim and Sink Your Water Lilies
Hardy water lilies can survive winter just fine; but you’ll need to trim them back and sink them deeper into the pond so that they can live further below the freeze line.
What to do:
- Cut all lily pads back to just above the crown
- Move the pot to the deepest section of your pond (at least 18–24 inches deep) so it won’t freeze solid
for hardy varieties that bounce back beautifully each spring
❄️ Step 3: Protect Fish & Improve Circulation
If you have fish, you’ll want to keep a small hole in the ice to allow for gas exchange. A pond heater or air stone is typically all you need for smaller ponds. 
Quick tips:
- Stop feeding fish once water temps consistently fall below 50°F
- Remove non-essential equipment (like UV clarifiers or extra pumps)
- Consider using oxygenating plants like Hornwort or Vallisneria Jungle to help maintain balance naturally
🌱 Step 4: Prep for Spring Now (Yes, Really)
Smart pond owners use fall to plan for spring planting. It’s the best time to:
- Make a plant wishlist while your layout is fresh in your mind.
- Clean and store planting containers or pots.
- Make note of what plants thrived (or didn’t) this season.
- Decide if you’ll expand zones with new marginals, oxygenators, or floating plants.
🌿 Product Recommendations for Cold Climate Ponds
| Category | Product Example | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Hardy Marginal | Horsetail Rush | Cold-hardy, architectural, low-maintenance. |
| Deep Water | Hardy Water Lilies | Sink in fall, regrow in spring |
| Submerged | Hornwort | Great oxygenator, survives overwintering deep. |
| Planting Supplies | Aquatic Plant Containers | Protect roots, easy repositioning in spring. |
🧼 Bonus Tip: Clean Your Filters & Skimmers
Right before winter sets in, do a final filter rinse and empty out your skimmer basket. A clean system helps prevent unwanted clogs during winter and early spring thaw.
Final Thoughts
Winter prep doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart steps now, you’ll save time, money, and headaches when the water warms up. Plus, your plants and pond life will thank you.
Need help choosing winter-hardy plants or planning your spring refresh? Visit WetPlants.com and browse our collections or reach out for personalized recommendations. We're pond people, just like you.