Mitre 10 MitrePlan Project Planner ? Build a Frog Pond
Episode: Two
Date: 15th March 2008
Presenter: Neville Passmore
Story Title: Mitre 10 MitrePlan Project Planner ? Build a Frog Pond
This week on the program the team creates an extremely eco friendly and exciting project that kids and adults will love. The DIY Mitre 10 MitrePlan project for the week is a frog pond which isn?t as difficult as you would imagine. With the help of the Gurus, a step by step guide and handy tips, the job will be an enjoyable activity everyone can take part in.
Step One- Location
You need a spot for a pond that is out of reach of dogs or cats if possible and not under any trees with poisonous leaves or sap. It should also be in a spot where only a third of the pond receives full sun. This is so algae can grow which is essential for happy, healthy tadpoles and frogs. The area needs to be 1.5 meters wide and 600mm to 700mm deep, as you will need space to grow plants.
Step Two- Pond Structure
The easiest way to build a pond structure is to buy a shell made from hard plastic or fibre glass as seen on the program. You can pick one up from your local Mitre 10 store. Just dig a hole and simply set it into the ground. You can use the waste soil from the pond to build up the ground level. This will help the ground water from flowing into the pond and possibly bringing fertilizers and pesticides with it too. Place a rock or hollow pipe in the pond so the tadpoles are able to hide from predators such as birds. While clean, aerated water is a good idea, you will not need a pump as there is a chance your pump will ingest tadpoles. If you?re very keen to filter the pond, use a fine fly screen to make sure the tadpoles can?t be pulled in.
Step Three- Plants
Plants play an important role for the frogs providing protection and vantage points, and they will call upon these plants during mating season. Grow a diverse range of plants from trees to shrubs, sedges, ferns, grasses and ferns. Also plant a few insect attracting plants such as lavender as frogs feed on insects. Aquatic plants are not a bad idea to place in the pond either as again it creates shelter and a spawning location for frogs. Take care with mulch around the pond as pine bark can be too acidic, so use a leaf mulch or compost instead.
Step Four- Water
Ordinary tap water may kill tap poles due to chlorine content. Use rainwater if available to top up the pond. Tap water can be used if you let it stand for 5 to 7 days. This will allow enough time for the chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate. Alternatively, add water neutralizers or water-ager.
Step 5- Getting started on Tadpoles and Frogs
Local frogs will eventually find their way to your pond but to find your own, head down to your pet store and see what varieties they have on offer.
Follow the link for a detailed Project Planner, explaining everything you need to get the job done.
Tools for the Job
Material Checklist
There can be a range of variables in your materials so it is best to check with a helpful Mitre 10 staff member who will give you the best possible advice.
For a detailed MitrePlan on ?Building a Frog Pond? follow the link or pick one up at your local Mitre 10 store.
www.mitre10.com.au
Date: 15th March 2008
Presenter: Neville Passmore
Story Title: Mitre 10 MitrePlan Project Planner ? Build a Frog Pond
This week on the program the team creates an extremely eco friendly and exciting project that kids and adults will love. The DIY Mitre 10 MitrePlan project for the week is a frog pond which isn?t as difficult as you would imagine. With the help of the Gurus, a step by step guide and handy tips, the job will be an enjoyable activity everyone can take part in.
Step One- Location
You need a spot for a pond that is out of reach of dogs or cats if possible and not under any trees with poisonous leaves or sap. It should also be in a spot where only a third of the pond receives full sun. This is so algae can grow which is essential for happy, healthy tadpoles and frogs. The area needs to be 1.5 meters wide and 600mm to 700mm deep, as you will need space to grow plants.
Step Two- Pond Structure
The easiest way to build a pond structure is to buy a shell made from hard plastic or fibre glass as seen on the program. You can pick one up from your local Mitre 10 store. Just dig a hole and simply set it into the ground. You can use the waste soil from the pond to build up the ground level. This will help the ground water from flowing into the pond and possibly bringing fertilizers and pesticides with it too. Place a rock or hollow pipe in the pond so the tadpoles are able to hide from predators such as birds. While clean, aerated water is a good idea, you will not need a pump as there is a chance your pump will ingest tadpoles. If you?re very keen to filter the pond, use a fine fly screen to make sure the tadpoles can?t be pulled in.
Step Three- Plants
Plants play an important role for the frogs providing protection and vantage points, and they will call upon these plants during mating season. Grow a diverse range of plants from trees to shrubs, sedges, ferns, grasses and ferns. Also plant a few insect attracting plants such as lavender as frogs feed on insects. Aquatic plants are not a bad idea to place in the pond either as again it creates shelter and a spawning location for frogs. Take care with mulch around the pond as pine bark can be too acidic, so use a leaf mulch or compost instead.
Step Four- Water
Ordinary tap water may kill tap poles due to chlorine content. Use rainwater if available to top up the pond. Tap water can be used if you let it stand for 5 to 7 days. This will allow enough time for the chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate. Alternatively, add water neutralizers or water-ager.
Step 5- Getting started on Tadpoles and Frogs
Local frogs will eventually find their way to your pond but to find your own, head down to your pet store and see what varieties they have on offer.
Follow the link for a detailed Project Planner, explaining everything you need to get the job done.
Tools for the Job
- Measuring tape
- Spade/shovel
- Secateurs
- Spirit level
- Bucket
- Utility knife
- Gardening tools
- Frog identification information
Material Checklist
- Hollow logs
- Plastic/Fiberglass shell
- River sand
- Bush rock
- Reinforced fabric for drowning protection
- Variety of plants
There can be a range of variables in your materials so it is best to check with a helpful Mitre 10 staff member who will give you the best possible advice.
For a detailed MitrePlan on ?Building a Frog Pond? follow the link or pick one up at your local Mitre 10 store.
www.mitre10.com.au
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