How to pond-dip your garden pond
Start pond dipping to find out what's living in your pond - all you need is a fishing net and some jam jars.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To do | yes | yes | yes |
Putting in a pond is one of the best things you can do for wildlife in your garden. Get the angles and depth right, and you will attract a wealth of invertebrates, from caddisflies to damsel larvae.
Find out how to attract wildlife to your garden pond.
Pond dipping is a great way to find out what's living in your pond. Arm yourself with a fishing net and a few jam jars, and release your inner child.
A pond is one of the best features in your garden for wildlife, and in this practical video guide, wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury shows you how to pond dip. She outlines the equipment you need, what to look out for, and advises on safety around the pond.
You Will Need
- Fishing net
- Jam jars
Step 1
Choose an edge of the pond where you can kneel or squat in comfort and safety. Part-fill your largest jam jar with pond water and put aside.
Step 2
Gently sweep your net in an 'S' shape in the water. Check if you have any creatures in your net and transfer them to your jam jar as soon as possible.
Step 3
Different creatures live at varying depths, so adjust your net sweep. Separate some invertebrates, such as newts and tadpoles, so one doesn't become dinner for the other.
Is your pond murky and full of algae? Discover three ways to improve your garden pond.
Return the creatures to your pond
Don't forget to return the creatures you have looked at to the pond as soon as possible.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
