Barley Straw, Bales, Extract and Pellets for Pond Algae Control
Barley Straw is a natural way to control algae in your water garden. Barley straw releases a natural algae inhibitor as it bio-degrades. There are many different forms of barley straw such as actual straw, bales, pellets and extract (liquid).
If you are using barley in the form of straw or straw bales, then it is best to partially submerge the barley in the water and place it near recirculating water such as in a pond filter or skimmer. Be aware of approximately how many gallons of water are in your pond so you can add a sufficient amount of barley straw to control the algae. The label on the product will guide you as to the proper amount to add.
Barley pellets and extract can be easily added to your pond or water garden as needed. If you have a very small pond such as a rigid, molded type, then the barley liquid extract would be the first choice because it would obviously not have to be hidden out of sight.
Barley takes time to bio-degrade naturally in a pond so patience is needed if your algae or green water problem doesn't clear quickly. On average, expect 3-4 weeks for improvements to be seen in your water garden. Barley extract or pellets work more quickly than the straw.
Please check out our information page with 10 steps to clear water
Barley Straw
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