Get Rid of Pond Algae

I often have a lot of algae in my pond. Is there a way to eliminate it without harming my plants and fish?

—Becky Coleman, Bend, Oregon

Melinda: Make sure your pond includes plenty of oxygenating and floating plants such as starwort, fanwort, water violet and water milifoil to compete with the algae for food and light. These plants will keep the problem under control while creating a better environment for the fish. Also, be sure to keep leaves, plant debris and lawn fertilizer out of the pond—all add nutrients that feed algae.