Barley Straw - ponds

 My copy of "Gardens Illustrated" for April '04 has just arrived and in it I
noticed that Nigel Colborn writing as "Mole" comments that:
"The threatened ban on barley straw as an agent for clearing algae from
ponds appears to be in place.  Health and Safety officials have now ruled
that it is illegal to sell barley straw for this purpose under the European
Union ruling that insists that all 'biocidal' roducts be registered."

Precisely how is barley straw used to clear algae and why is it supposed to
be effective, and IS it effective?

 
Get a bundle of it and pop it in the pond - leave.


Worked for us.
--
Chris French and Helen Johnson, Leeds
urg Suppliers and References FAQ:
<http://www.familyfrench.co.uk/garden/urgfaq/index.html>

 

I believe that it works by removing the excess nitrogen from the water as it
rots down.  This then deprives both algae and blanket weed of nutrients.  My
local garden centre still sell barley straw for this purpose and my local
pet shop sell it for pet bedding.  If I buy it loose I put into a pair of
tights before putting in the pond which at least keeps it in one place it
can then be easily removed once it has done its job.
Diane

 Diane Epps wrote:

 As the straw decomposes in the lake, it releases a chemical which inhibits
algal growth - otherwise any old straw would do. It has to be barley straw!

pk

 

Dunno how it works, but it definitely does.

Victoria
--
gardening on a north-facing hill
in South-East Cornwall
--