Barley straw is just one of the many treatments for controlling algae in your pond. It is natural and does not have any known toxic effects on aquatic plants, insect larvae, or fish.

When barley straw is added to your pond water it will begin the decomposition process. As it decomposes special chemicals are released. These chemicals have been found to reduce the amount of new algae growth and occurrences of algae blooms.

The downside to barley straw is the fact that the chemicals it produces is virtually ineffective for reducing EXISTING algae. This is why barley straw is used as a PREVENTIVE algae control treatment.

To successfully treat your garden pond it will take about one bundle of barley straw for every 1000 gallons of water.

To apply the barley straw spread the bales apart and put them in onion sacks or Christmas tree netting. Anchor them so they float in the upper 3 feet of your water pond where they can get sufficient sunlight.

Since barley straw will consume oxygen in your pond water. It is best to place them near or directly under waterfalls or fountains where there is sufficient water movement to keep oxygen around the barley straw. This will also help distribute the chemicals produced as decomposition occurs.

Barley straw should help control algae for 4 to 6 months once it is producing sufficient amount of chemicals. However, it will depend on water temperature how long it will take to reach this amount. Water temperature below 50 degrees will take about 2 months and if the water is over 70 degrees it should not take longer than 2 weeks.

Keep in mind that you will need to maintain a continuous treatment when using barley straw. Usually you will need to replace used bales after about 5-6 months (or as directed by manufacturer).

If you do not want the mess and maintenance of using barley straw bales an alternative can be Savio Natural Barley Extract. This extract is a liquid that is added to your pond water. It is cost effective, lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and is plant and fish safe.