Blanket Weed

[pondsaregreat]

One of the best ways of controlling it is using organic barley which as it decays releases an acid that casues the cells in the weed to break down.

The question I have is, is the decay an areobic or anareobic process - ie does the straw have to have contact with the air or can it be suspended below the surface out of sight and the reaches of inquisative children?

cheers

[nightshade]

Welcome Ponds are great,the Barley straw should float and the process is anareobic within the straw,a mix of barley straw and lavender stalks is reportedly even better

[pondsaregreat]

Thanks for the information nightshade. I'll give the barley/lavendar stalks a go.

[nightshade]

Pondsaregreat,if you google Barley Straw there are some very good sites and advice,as I found this a.m.

[Rich]

Strangely enough, the active ingredient is peroxide.

[Zeb]

nightshade, on the packaging to the little barley straw bundles we've been using it says to suspend just underneath the water level near waterflowing into the pond - mother seems adamant about this yet in your reply you say it should float?

I'm about to replace one expired barley pack with a new one so which should it be? Also, is it best to have it just near our water fall or should the water flow directly onto it?

[nightshade]

Hello Zeb sorry it should not be sunk completely,semi submerged is the instruction I had,
but do not cross your mother follow the instructions you have,let us know the results

[Zeb]

I'm 32 - had to move back home due to financial circumstances :'(

After having a nasty problem with blanket weed contributing to the death of one of the fish (got tangled up and drowned) I cleaned the pond out and am trying to see whats best to keep the water clear. The "green smog" suddenly cleared for no apparent reason and the water seems to have cleared a little with the introduction of the barley straw.

Still wondering whether it should be placed near the waterfall or in direct flow?

[pondsaregreat]

Hi Zeb, from what I have read and done the barley should be submerged just below the surface (out of sight?) and near a source of movng water to distribute the peroxide generated by the decaying straw. Also the barley should be organicllay grown or you may end up with all sorts of chemicals in the water.

Cheers