How to Make a Water Garden in a Flower Pot

For a low-maintenance container garden, make a mini pond in a pot.

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Pond in a Pot 00:36

Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 1/2 day
Estimated Cost: $350

No Green Thumb Needed - Simple Water Garden

A simple water garden and all you do, is add water. That's pretty much what it takes to become a successful container water gardener. Water in a garden of any size creates an oasis not only for you but also for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and even small fish.

Photo by: Gary Payne

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

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo by: Gary Payne

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

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Gary Payne

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo By: Gary Payne

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo By: Gary Payne

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo By: 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

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo by: Gary Payne

Gary Payne

Fill pot with water, leave one to two inches of room for plants at the top.

Add Plants

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo by: Gary Payne

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

Mina Starsiak of Good Bones partners with Lowes. Not to be used for alternative clients/purposes.

Photo by: Gary Payne

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.

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