The best thing about potted ponds is that they're really easy to create. In fact, in essence, there are just three simple steps:

1. Choose your container

2. Fill it with water

3. Immerse the potted plants

Choosing the container

Size is important if you want to grow a selection of plants in your potted pond - the larger your container, the more planting options you'll have. A water-garden container should be a minimum of 30cm deep and 40cm wide. The main prerequisite of your container is that it's watertight, which means that if there are drainage holes (which all plant-growing pots feature), you'll first have to seal them. Use a waterproof sealant such as silicone or Selley's Knead It Aqua.

Planting

Aquatic plants, such as water lilies, are generally sold in black plastic pots from specialist water-garden nurseries. When you get them home, cover the surface of the soil with fine gravel to hold it in place. Then simply immerse the pots in your water-filled container. Different plant species vary in their preferred water-planting depth. To raise plants, just sit the pot on a submerged brick or upturned plant saucer.

Getting the right balance

To keep the water clean and mosquito-free, it's essential to get the right ecology happening in your mini-pond. That means including both fish (to eat the mozzies), and one or two submerged plants to absorb excess nutrients and fish waste, thereby preventing algae from growing. Goldfish are the usual choice, but water-garden nurseries can recommend the right species for your needs.