Videos

We're into early July now, and if you're growing tomatoes, they’re probably looking pretty good. But this stage of the season can really be make or break when it comes to your harvest.

When it comes to pond care, there’s one issue that often flies under the radar: nitrates. At Envii, we think it’s time that changed. In this guide, we’re going to explain what nitrates are, how they get into your pond, and most importantly—how to reduce them naturally. What Are Nitrates? Nitrates are the final stage in the nitrogen cycle—a natural process that happens in every pond. Here’s how it works: Fish waste, uneaten food, and leaves break down into ammonia Ammonia becomes nitrites Nitrites convert into nitrates Nitrates themselves aren’t toxic in small amounts, but too much leads to green water, blanketweed, and stressed fish. Where Do Nitrates Come From? Several everyday sources can increase nitrate levels in your pond: Sludge buildup from decaying organic matter Runoff from fertilisers used on nearby grass, plants or trees Tap water used in water changes (which often contains nitrates) Overfeeding fish, leading to excess waste All of these add up over time—and without enough beneficial bacteria, nitrates can get out of control. How Do Nitrates Affect Your Pond? High nitrate levels fuel the growth of string algae and green water. If you’re battling algae, there’s a good chance nitrates are to blame. Even treatments like Algae Klear Extra (which breaks down algae) can release more nitrates into the water. That’s why it’s crucial to test your water regularly using pond test strips that detect nitrates, nitrites, and pH. Testing for Nitrates We recommend weekly water tests. It only takes a few seconds: Dip the strip into the water Wait 30 seconds Compare the colours to the chart In our recent test, we found our pond water had zero nitrates, with a healthy pH of 7.4—exactly where we want it. How to Reduce Nitrates Naturally You don’t need expensive gear—just smart pond care. Here are our top natural ways to reduce nitrate levels: 1. Control Sludge Use a pond net to remove leaves in autumn and winter A small amount of sludge is fine—it feeds plants But excess sludge = more nitrates 2. Avoid Overfeeding Fish If fish leave food behind, you’re feeding too much Fish (even goldfish!) can find natural food in the pond Less food = less waste = less nitrate 3. Add Plants That Absorb Nitrates Watercress (a bit of a rogue option, but powerful) Oxygenating plants, like hornwort or elodea Submerged plants absorb nitrates all day, every day 4. Tolerate a Little Algae & Duckweed Not all algae is bad—it feeds on nitrates Duckweed can shade the pond, reducing algae growth It’s not always pretty, but it can help balance your ecosystem 5. Careful Water Changes Only change 10–20% at a time Always dechlorinate tap water before adding it Test your tap water—if it contains nitrates, it could make things worse What If You Still Have Nitrates? Then it’s time to bring in the big guns. We use and recommend Envii Nitrate Klear—our natural nitrate treatment. It’s packed with selected strains of beneficial bacteria that digest nitrates quickly and safely. Completely natural  Safe for fish and wildlife Effective and fast If you’re earlier in the nitrogen cycle (dealing with ammonia or nitrites), our product Filter Feed is a better fit. But once you’re in the nitrate stage—Nitrate Klear is your best bet. Final Thoughts Nitrates might be invisible, but their effects are not. If you want a clear, healthy pond—test often, plant smart, feed sparingly, and treat when needed. Got questions or want to share your experience? Drop a comment or contact our support team—we’re always happy to help.

Join us on a tour of the Envii Garden this May 🌱 From thriving veggies and blooming flowers to tips on watering, companion planting, and pest prevention — this walkthrough showcases everything going on in the garden right now. Whether you’re here for inspiration or practical growing advice, there’s something for every gardener.

Looking to plant up a small wildlife pond? 🐸 In this video, we walk you through 5 perfect aquatic plants that support frogs, bees, butterflies, and more — all while adding structure and seasonal interest to your pond.

Calculating your pond volume can sound complex but it doesn't have to be. In this video, Ash walks us through the step-by-step process of measuring your pond and the key things to remember when doing so. We even cover how to calculate the volume of irregular shaped ponds. 

In this video filmed last year in the Envii garden, we guide you through the process step by step, from preparing your raised bed to setting your beetroot seeds & even how to prevent beetroot bolting. Discover essential tips for ensuring optimal growth and preventing bolting, and explore different varieties like Boltardy, Chioggia, and Quattro Gourmet.

Soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. But do you really know what's beneath your feet? In this video, we break down soil science, how to test and improve your soil, and the power of soil amendments like organic matter, Envii treatments and cover crops.

Confused about annuals, biennials, and perennials? 🌿 In this video, we break down the differences and show you how to plan beautiful flower borders that bloom year after year.

Dahlias can be quite sensitive to the cold as they are native to much warmer climates like Mexico and Central America. With that in mind, it's best to bring them inside over winter. In this video, Dave explains everything you need to know about lifting, storing and overwintering dahlias so that your beautiful flowers can bloom again next spring.

Join Dave on a full tour of our car park garden. Back in June our garden was having a tough time, but a bit of sun in July and August, along with some regular feeding and care has brought the Envii garden to life.

In this video, Dave explains how to take rose cuttings for best results. Late spring and early summer is the perfect time to take softwood rose cuttings and it’s an excellent way not only of pruning and encouraging healthy growth but also getting extra, free plants as a result!

In this video, we'll guide you through the process of planting globe artichokes, a delicious and beautiful addition to your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, our step-by-step instructions will help you grow these stunning plants successfully.

Join Dave on a full tour of our car park garden. The weather so far in the UK has been pretty cold which makes it difficult for anybody's garden to thrive.

In this video, Dave demonstrates how to store tulip bulbs for improved flower blooms year after year. He covers everything from feeding to preventing disease. By the end of this video you should know how to lift and store your tulip bulbs so that you can plant them again for flowering next year!

Are you looking to grow beautiful dahlias in your garden but concerned about frost damage to your tubers? In this video, Dave shows you the best way to plant dahlia tubers to protect them from the cold soil and frost.

In this video, Dave shows you how to pot on small geranium plug plants using mycorrhizal fungi for better growth and plant health. With our step-by-step guide, you'll learn the proper techniques for handling and transplanting your plug plants to ensure successful growth.

Looking to prepare your pond for Summer but don't know where to start? Look no further than this beginner's guide.

In this video, Jorge discusses the wonders of leaf mould – a simple and beneficial addition to your gardening routine. Learn how to transform fallen leaves into a powerful soil conditioner that improves structure, enhances water retention, and boosts biological activity in your garden.

Wondering about the right number of fish, the best fish species, feeding schedules, and fish health?

It's easy to forget about your pond at this time of year. It's cold, wet and, understandably, the pond doesn't get much attention until Spring. However, the end of Autumn into Winter is an excellent time to carry out a few key jobs that will set up your pond for crystal clear water in Spring.

In this comprehensive video, we dive into everything you need to know about managing duckweed (Lemnoideae) in your ponds effectively.