I compost, but due to allergies to molds, can't do the turning, etc that dedicated hot composters do. I do just what Floral does - dump garden debris that isn't diseased and kitchen scraps onto the pile which is neatly contained by a fence. After a couple of years, I pull out the finished compost and spread it with no issues as the molds aren't active by then - literally no other work involved. For us, it's far less work than hauling to the town transfer station and enriches soil in a way that doesn't create issues with excess nutrients in ground water and surface water in the way that water soluble fertilizers can since the organic matter in compost will hold onto nutrients until used by the plants. In many parts of the US much of the water pollution is from non-point sources such as overuse of fertilizers by agriculture and homeowners. Unless a soil test tells you that nutrients are lacking in your soil or you are planting in pots, adding fertilizers will be worse than useless since in many soils, the excess nutrients wash into either into the groundwater or into the storm sewers and from there into the nearest body of water. I think here in the US companies like Scotts have miseducated us to think that plants won't do well without fertilizer, but IME gardening in two different states and 5 gardens over more than 40 years, I've rarely used fertilizers, just compost and shredded wood mulch. I do use lime or ashes in my current acidic soil to raise the pH for veggies, but that isn't fertilizer. Posie is right on the money as far as why to use mulch.

Hi all.... I am new to this forum but I have had my pond for about 10 years....and still learning.... this is the first year that I have had fish live and grow...very nice and fun...(I had put 2 goldfish in once and they died and so I just couldn't do that again) but this year and the last couple I have had some help with my pond and its doing very well, I have 9 goldfish and they are growing nicely.... anyway I am looking for a 60 gal aquarium to put them in over the winter and I was thinking I could float the hyacinth on the water and with the fish and water flow they might live...what do you all think?????? after reading what some of you said I guess I would have to keep a very close eye on them.....I really like ponds and am reading lots of what you all have posted.... thank you for all the info and pictures....linda ps....Hi Mike....

I haven't a clue what nutrients one plant/algae has more of over the other. I was simply asking if hyacinth, being a water plant (like seaweed) might also be good when used in "tea" form. My comparison was that they both live in water. And, that they are both considered as good sources of plant food. I think if water hyacinth would have been indigenous to the far east we might be eating raw fish on some form of "nori" roll made with hyacinth. From the very little I've read on the issue, hyacinth is being used as fodder for animals and does in fact make a great compost. But, is it on a par with seaweed? No idea. I just get water hyacinth for free and will be using copious amounts of it on this horrible new soil I was forced to move my garden to. Just trying to squeeze every benefit from these plants as I possibly can. Honestly had no idea that foliar feeding was no longer considered the panacea it was ONCE regarded as.

Water hyacinth freezes to death in the winter. Down in more tropical locations it can be a serious problem, but at 3000ft elevation it turns to mush rather quickly. The parrot's feather is gonna be yanked out when the time comes as well. The pond is in an enclosed courtyard, too small for waterfowl to use (A major way floating plants move around), and on a completely enclosed system. I'm not planning on putting either species in a wild or uncontrolled habitat. Invasive is a relative term. Also, the federally listed species of water hyacinth is Eichhornia azurea, I was looking for Eichhornia crassipes. But that's splitting hairs. I have experience in aquariums/greenhouses with water hyacinth and parrot's feather and I know they're excellent for hiding fish larve from their hungry parents. If anyone can recommend another species which has finely divided roots or leaves that guppy/paradise fish fry can mature in, please recommend it. Peace, Nate