How to use barley straw for pond?

How do you use barley straw in your pond or lake? You have probably discovered that barley straw helps reduce filamentous algae in a pond. It is one of the most natural methods we can offer for small garden ponds.

Barley straw: everything you need to know about using it in a pond

Most gardens now have at least one pond that needs to be constantly maintained and protected. Maintaining a pond means keeping it clean and healthy by preventing the growth of unwanted organisms. This is precisely why using 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 remains essential, as despite its effectiveness, it is also easy to use. For this reason, it is very important to know exactly what barley straw is and to master the various steps that ensure it is used correctly. The rest of this article will provide you with clear and detailed information on this subject.

What is barley straw?

Barley straw is the cut stem of a cereal known as "barley". It helps clean and keep garden ponds in perfect condition. More precisely, barley straw helps to limit the growth of algae. The advantage of 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 is that it is generally well tolerated by the aquatic species in the pond where it is used. You can find out more about how to use it by reading the rest of this content.

How does barley straw work in a pond?

The exact mechanism is still being discussed. The explanation most commonly put forward is as follows: as it slowly decomposes in oxygenated water, the straw releases compounds that slow the growth of new algae. It therefore works mainly as a preventive measure, and its results vary from one pond to another depending on the temperature, nutrient levels and water circulation.

If you do not have a bale of barley straw on hand, ready-to-use versions are available, in flakes or granules, already measured out and easy to place in a net or in the skimmer.

The various steps for using barley straw in a pond

Using barley straw involves several steps that must be followed to ensure the desired result. In fact, 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 should be used just before spring. Furthermore, 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 (03) essential steps are mentioned for the proper use of barley straw. These are: wrapping the barley straw, placing the barley straw and monitoring the barley straw.

Wrapping the barley straw

Before placing a 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆, it would be extremely effective to wrap it in a mesh net. Using this type of net will allow the water in your pond to pass through the barley straw.

Placing the barley straw

This crucial step must be fully followed. To begin, you will need a good plastic bottle to serve as a float. Why is this bottle extremely essential? In fact, to properly place the barley straw, it must float above your pond. By floating above the pond, its decomposition is guaranteed, as sunlight will be able to reach it. The plastic bottle should therefore be attached and tied to the bale of 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 with a rope, which will cause it to float. Also note that the plastic bottle will prevent the 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 from sinking to the bottom of the pond where it can become covered in mud.

Monitoring the barley straw

After placing your barley straw, it is very important to check after a few months whether the bundle has completely decomposed! If you notice that it has completely decomposed, you must add more to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, be very patient to get satisfactory results. If your pond is very muddy, it will take some time before you are satisfied, but with patience and regular maintenance, the situation generally improves gradually.

Overall, simply note that using 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒅’𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 remains essential for a pond and that its proper placement requires oxygen and sunlight to allow it to decompose easily.

How much barley straw do you need for your pond?

The right amount depends on the volume of water. To estimate it, multiply the length by the width and by the average depth of the pond (not the maximum depth). Then follow the dosage indicated by the manufacturer of the product you have chosen.

• For Aquipond Eco AlgControl, the product sheet indicates 1 kg for 3 to 5 m³, or 200 to 300 g per m³, with replacement every 3 to 4 months.
• For a larger pond, the pack of 5 Eco AlgControl is designed for a volume of up to approximately 25 m³.
• For a bale of raw straw, there is no universal dose: it is better to start modestly and observe, rather than overload the pond.

The right timing: when to place and replace the straw?

As stated in the article, the straw is placed just before spring, so that it begins to decompose before the peak growth of algae. Here is how to organize it over a season.

Other measures to use alongside barley straw

Barley straw gives the best results in a pond that is already close to balance. To permanently deprive algae of what feeds them, combine it with these actions:

• Identify the type of algae: filamentous algae, green water, or cyanobacteria are not managed in the same way. Our guide algae in a pond: identify the problem helps you sort them out.
• Limit phosphates: this is often the nutrient that feeds filamentous algae. See how to reduce filamentous algae by addressing phosphates.
• Planting: oxygenating plants and marginal plants consume the same nutrients as algae. See our list of oxygenating plants.
• Support bacterial life: pond bacteria break down organic matter which, otherwise, releases nutrients.
• Remove filaments by hand: our guide on filamentous algae in a pond details the right tools.

In the event of persistent green water, also find our solutions for green water.

Errors to avoid with barley straw

• Letting the bale sink to the bottom: in the sludge, it lacks oxygen and rots without any useful effect.
• Expecting results in a few days on algae that are already established.
• Overdosing in a small pond populated with fish.
• Forgetting to remove the decomposed residues at the end of the season.
• Relying on straw alone without addressing nutrients or filtration.

Frequently asked questions about barley straw