Are these barley straw balls safe for a wildlife pond?Gardening with nature; Making wildlife ponds

rosaamor1 · June 2021

We created a wildlife pond last year which is developing pretty well. It's now got a lot of water beetles in as well as a common newt.

However we've got a problem with blanket weed. I know blanket weed can choke a pond of oxygen so it's important to keep on top of it. With the current weather we're having to fish it out daily though and it's becoming a bit of a chore. I read in my book Gardening with nature; Making wildlife ponds that barley straw contains a natural chemical which prohibits the growth of blanket weed. I brought these to see if they help https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barley-Straw-Natural-Cleaner-Blanketweed/dp/B07NGNCYJN/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=barley+straw+balls&qid=1623863014&sr=8-5 I don't want to damage the existing wildlife in my pond though so am asking on here if anyone has any experience of them? Any general advice on restricting blanket weed growth would be appreciated too. Thank you for any advice or suggestions.

Dovefromabove · June 2021

Yes batley straw is perfectly fine for wildlife ponds. However we use a natural barley straw extract
https://www.blagdonwatergardening.co.uk/Products/Test-Kits-Treatments/Green-Water,-Dirt-Algae/Barley-Straw-Extract-250ml so our small pond isn’t totally filled with straw!

We also use their Sludgebuster from time to time to break down any resulting sludge in the pond and help keep the water clear and healthy for the wildlife.

It’s fine for our frogs, newts, pond snails, grass snakes and all the invertebrates who live in ir visit our pond 😊

philippasmith2 · June 2021

Surface spreading plants ( lillies, water cress, water hawthorn ) also help to reduce blanket weed and provide a good home for aquatic wildlife to shelter, lay eggs, etc. As an extra bonus, you can harvest the watercress for your salads

Are these barley straw balls safe for a wildlife pond?Gardening with nature; Making wildlife ponds

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