Pond Plants

The above ground pond in a Growing Dome is one of the most underutilized features for many owners, and aquatic and marginal plants can transform it from a thermal mass into a productive zone of its own. Water lilies, lotus, watercress (edible), papyrus, and other aquatic species turn the pond into a planted feature that contributes both to the dome's ecology and to the kitchen. This category brings together writing on pond plants in a Growing Dome: aquatic and marginal species selection, integration with aquaponic systems, the ecological role of pond plants in the dome, and stories from owners developing the pond as a planted feature. Includes notes on edible aquatic plants for kitchen use.

Leafy plants growing beside a pond inside a greenhouse
Black sheet metal pond in a geodesic greenhouse with green foliage in front and reflective insulation behind

Thermal Mass Made Simple: A Warmer, Greener Greenhouse

September 24, 2025

Learn how thermal mass in a Growing Dome pond stores solar energy, reduces heating needs, and keeps your greenhouse warm through cold winter nights.

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Floating Plants - Water Lettuce

A Guide to Greenhouse Pond Gardening

February 24, 2025

Greenhouse pond gardening will enhance the beauty of your dome, improve water quality, provide water coverage, provide food and shade for fish and help prevent algae.

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floating pond planter planted with lettuce and floating in a pond with other pond plants

Floating Gardens: The Sustainable Food Production Secret of the Ancients

May 1, 2024

This innovative farming technique, the floating gardens of Xochimilco, has supported thriving civilizations for centuries.

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How to Create a Beautiful Pond Garden

June 17, 2021

The above-ground pond included with our greenhouse kits creates an optimal opportunity for growth. -- It aids the growth of your plants in your raised beds, acting as the greenhouse's primary source of thermal mass, but it can also foster the growth of aquatic plants & fish. It can even promote the growth of a peaceful environment with soothing sounds and art.

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Leafy plants growing in floating pond planters inside a greenhouse

The Best Floating Pond Planters

February 5, 2020

Floating Island Plants for Your Pond Maintaining a healthy above ground pond in our domes depends on numerous factors. One of the most common questions we are asked pertains to controlling the algae growth in the pond garden. Floating pond planters are a perfect way to keep the algae away and add beauty! Why do…

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Milk and Honey Farm Part 2: Aquaponics in a Growing Dome Greenhouse

May 2, 2019

Butch Weaver discussed the custom aquaponics system in his Colorado Community Greenhouse

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How to Make an Aquatic Plant Protector

June 3, 2013

Recently, our fish had grown so big that they began eating all of our aquatic plants in our water tanks! Rather than watch our plants dwindle to nothing, we got creative. Innovation is always happening here at Growing Spaces and we have so many brilliant members contributing. With some lovely input and guidance from Claudia…

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