Creating a small pond in your garden can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil paradise, attracting a variety of wildlife and enhancing your garden’s beauty. Here’s how to easily make one!

How to Make a Small Pond in Your Garden

Before you begin, decide on the dimensions of your pond. Plan for the excavation and consider how you’ll manage the extracted soil. A small pond can fill up quickly, so don’t worry about it taking too long. Ideally, ensure a minimum depth of 80 cm (or 1 meter in colder regions) to protect wildlife and aquatic plants. Now, let’s dive into the 5 steps for creating your pond.

1. Mark Out the Pond Areas

To simplify the layout process, use string stretched between stakes to clearly define the pond’s location. For a small square pond with a surface area of 25 m²:

  • Mark a square of 6.5 m × 6.5 m.
  • Clear the area and remove a 20 cm layer of soil across the entire surface.
  • Inside the larger square, mark a 5 m × 5 m square using stakes and string.

2. Dig Where You Need To

Now it’s time to dig! The best spot for your pond is a low point that helps with rainwater drainage. Choose flat, dry ground that is soft and free of stones. Aim for a sun exposure ratio of two-thirds sun to one-third shade. Avoid placing large trees nearby to prevent dead leaves from cluttering the water.

3. Waterproof the Bottom

To waterproof your pond:

  • Cover the bottom with 5 cm of damp sand.
  • Lay a geotextile film over the sand, sized according to your pond’s dimensions.
  • Add a PVC tarpaulin (approximately 2 mm thick) on top of the geotextile.
  • Secure the tarpaulin by covering it with soil or stones.

4. Install the Water Supply and Drainage, Then Fill the Pond

For a water supply, connect a rainwater collector as close to your pond as possible. Use a PVC pipe to connect the collector, ensuring the inlet is slightly above the pond’s water level.

5. Install the Water Drain

You’re almost finished! Here’s how to set up the drain:

  • Create a second hole at the deepest part of the pond.
  • Insert a drain pipe into the hole and cover it with soil.
  • Plug the drain with a special plug or a piece of wood wrapped in cloth.
  • Finally, fill the pond slowly using collected rainwater.

By following these steps, you’ll create a beautiful and functional small pond that enhances your garden and attracts wildlife!

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