Building an Outdoor Bog Garden in a 55-Gallon Pond Liner

Northwest Ohio (Zone 5/6). Clawfoot tub → 55-gal kidney pond liner, dug in, weed block, stone edging. Peat/perlite mix. Plants: 1 pitcher, 2 sundews, 1 flytrap. Water source?

Critical: Pure Water Supply

City water = hard (minerals). Chlorine/fluoride are minor; hardness kills CPs. Options:

• Rain barrels (multiple, with overflow).
• RO system on garden hose (Hydrologic units) — pays off fast vs. distilled.
• RO waste water → vegetable garden.

Drainage: Mandatory

Drill drain holes 3–4" up sides. Undrained = anaerobic rot. Slightly less perlite = more water retention.

Plant Capacity & Companions

• Flytraps don't crowd; hardy sundews (D. filiformis, D. intermedia) spread.
• Sarracenia divide every 2–3 years.
• Add hardy Pinguicula (P. grandiflora, P. vulgaris). Source: Best Carnivorous Plants.

Weed Vigilance

Sedge grasses invade fast. Weed constantly.