Barley Straw | Pond Algae Control

When should I put barley straw in my pond?

For best results, place barley straw in your pond early in spring before algae blooms start. It takes time to decompose and release its algae-inhibiting compounds, so starting early ensures it’s working as algae begins to grow. Replace it regularly throughout the season.

How does barley straw work?

As barley straw decomposes, it releases natural compounds that disrupt the algae lifecycle and help prevent new algae from forming. It works as a proactive treatment rather than a quick fix, so it’s most effective when used before algae blooms develop.

Where should I place barley straw in my pond?

Barley straw should be placed where water flows gently, such as near a pump, waterfall, or aerator. This helps distribute the beneficial compounds more effectively. If your pond is still, floating it near the centre or anchoring it in shallow areas works well.

Will barley straw harm fish, frogs, or other pond wildlife?

No, barley straw is completely safe for fish, frogs, newts, and other pond wildlife. It works naturally without introducing harmful chemicals, making it a great eco-friendly choice for algae control.

Is barley straw a natural solution?

Yes! Barley straw is 100% natural, using a gentle, chemical-free method to help prevent algae growth. It’s an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical treatments, supporting a healthy and balanced pond ecosystem.

Will barley straw remove existing algae?

No, barley straw is a preventative treatment. It helps stop algae from growing but won’t remove existing algae. If you already have an algae bloom, you may need to remove excess algae manually before adding barley straw to prevent future outbreaks.

How long does barley straw take to work?

It takes around 4 to 6 weeks for barley straw to start breaking down and releasing its beneficial compounds. This is why it’s best to add it to your pond early in the season before algae has a chance to establish.

How often should I replace barley straw?

Barley straw should be replaced every 3 months or when it turns black. Keeping a continuous supply in your pond ensures ongoing protection against algae growth.

Can I use barley straw with other algae control methods?

Yes! Barley straw works best alongside other pond care practices, such as:

• Shading the pond with floating plants and waterlilies.
• Reducing excess nutrients from fish waste and decaying leaves.
• Preventing leaf litter from entering the water.
• Encouraging good water circulation with a pump or aerator.

Using a combination of these methods creates a healthier, clearer pond environment.

Delivery Prices

Mainland UK

Standard delivery: £6.00
Large plants (e.g., 30ltr waterlilies): pallet delivery - quote required.
Soil & gravel: additional charges apply for multiple bags.
Please email us with your postcode if a delivery price is not displaying at checkout

Highlands & Islands

Small parcels under 1.8kg: £6.00
Standard parcels over 1.8kg: £25.00
All H&I deliveries use 48-hour services

If you’re unsure about delivery costs to your postcode, please email us at.

Container Ponds

Delivery from £30 (postcode-based, please check before ordering)

Shipping to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Europe

Sorry, we are unable to ship to the above destinations.

Dispatch Schedule

Aquatic Plants

March: Monday and Thursday
April – August: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Late August to October: Monday and Thursday
October – February: Tuesday only

Aquatic plants are dispatched all year round, though frequency reduces during low season.

Garden Plants

Dispatched all year round - Tuesday & Thursday

Are plants dispatched the same day as ordering?

No. Live plants require draining and careful preparation.  The nurseries dispatch in scheduled batches rather than on-demand. This means same-day dispatch isn’t possible, but we always aim to send your order as promptly as we can within our dispatch schedule.

If you’d like to check when your order is likely to arrive, just email us and we’ll be happy to advise.

Delivery and Couriers

We use trusted UK couriers:
APC and Royal Mail for pond plants
DX for garden plants
Pallet deliveries for 30ltr waterlilies, large landscape orders and container ponds

Delivery Times

APC and DX orders are sent on overnight services but may take up to 48 hours depending on your local depot.
Royal Mail parcels usually arrive within 24–48 hours.

Plants are packed in damp soil and remain safe in transit for several days.

Tracking and Safe Place Instructions

Your dispatch email will contain tracking information where applicable.

Couriers are instructed to leave parcels in a safe place with no signature required. You can add your own delivery notes using the links below. We recommend requesting a cool, shaded spot so the plants stay fresh on arrival.

APC - https://apcchoice.apc-overnight.com/

Royal Mail - will use your email and mobile number provided during ordering to send delivery updates and enable you to add safe-place instructions.
Please do not delay delivery of live plants.

Royal Mail will never ask you to make an additional payment for a delivery. If you receive a message requesting payment, please delete it and do not click any links. If you are unsure whether a message is genuine, email us and we’ll be happy to advise

Damages & Returns

If your order arrives damaged, please take photos of the packaging and plants and email us with your PFP order number.

Due to bio-security and the perishable nature of plants, we cannot accept returns of plants or molluscs.

Container ponds are handmade to order and non-returnable unless damaged.

For full details, please see our returns policy

Need Help?

If you have any questions about delivery or dispatch times, please email us