Carter's Water Garden


Sunday Reflection’s…

West Tn. weather is crazy, but still very seasonably predictable… The blackberries are in bloom once again & boom 💥 here comes a cold front that drops the temps overnight. Cool and crisp this morning and it feels SO GOOD 😊 I love me some ‘Blackberry Winter’…

Enjoy this day and this lovely little cold snap… knowing that soon, Summer Heat will be upon us! And, it will be time to pick blackberries once again 😊

“I see blackberry winter’s here
that very special time of year
when thorny vine’s small pure white bloom
announces colder weather’s doom.

It’s cold enough to wear long sleeves
to ward off spring’s last chilly breeze
yet warm enough up in the day
to show that cold won’t long hold sway.

The flower of this lowly berry
reminds that summer won’t long tarry.
This mini-season won’t last long
so don a coat and tag along.

We’ll both enjoy this evening’s nip
hands in each other’s loving grip
and gaze into each other’s eyes
as stars replace the clear blue skies.

As whippoorwill gives serenade
from ‘cross the pond in brushy glade
beneath a blanket we’ll start to plan
vacation on the ocean’s sand.

But in the back of cozy mind
all thoughts of winter left behind
tiny voices, soft and sweet
reminds that next comes summer heat.”

~ Stan Holiday

I’m off for an adventure… Y’all have fun 🤩

~ Mark C.



Pond Tip Tuesday | Pond Tips | Koi Health Tips | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Fall is in full swing! The sun is setting earlier every day & the temps are falling… We are past our first frost and more are coming by weeks end. Soon, the saddest part of the season will be paying us a visit… The time when we STOP feeding our Koi for the season

My Koi have eaten well this year & have put on a good bit of fat to get them through the Cool Season ahead. Now is the time that many of my clients and fellow Koi enthusiasts start asking a very important question…

– When do I stop feeding Cool Season Koi Food to my Pond Pets?

– My Answer- Remember the rule of 50!

It’s getting close to the time of the year to stop feeding our ‘Finned Friends’… Sad, but so important for their health and well being. Until the water is too cold, we can keep feeding Cool Temp Food to them – We have it at Carters Nursery Pond & Patio, 2846 Old Medina Rd. Jackson, TN


When the water temperature stabilizes below 50 degrees Fahrenheit you should stop feeding your Koi… Even Cool Season Koi Food… We like to call it the ‘Rule Of 50’… | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Switching to a Cool Temperature Koi Food is very important for the health of your Koi! So is knowing when to stop feeding! 

Every Pond should have a floating Pond thermometer. Our finned friends are cold blooded & water temperature is very important when it comes to seasonal feeding times. Pick one up at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

So to wrap it up, keep a check on your water temp (via a Pond thermometer) & when your water temp stabilizes below 50 degrees, you should transition from Cool Season Koi Food to NO More feeding for this season. That’s the “Rule of 50”…

Viva La’ Fall!

Mark Carter

Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio

2846 Old Medina Rd. 

Jackson, Tn. 38305

Ph.# 731-424-2206

http://www.cartercountry.com

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Pond Tip Tuesday | Pond Tips | Koi Pond Tips | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

We have had a long, HOT Summer and have enjoyed feeding our ‘Finned Friends’ every day  But now we are going into the cooler months of the year and one of the most asked questions I get is – “When do I STOP feeding my Koi in the Fall?”

A very important tool to have in your pond is a simple pond thermometer. When temps drop below 60 I start feeding “Low Temp. Fish Food” & some fresh fruits and veggies like peas, oranges, grapefruit & carrots. | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

It’s very important to take your fish into the colder months as healthy & happy as possible! They are cold blooded and their metabolism will soon slow to a crawl! So feeding the right foods now will really help them for their long journey through Fall & Winter.

When the water temperature hits 60 degrees I discontinue regular Koi Food and start feeding Cool Season Koi Food. I also start giving them some daily treats like fresh or frozen veggies and fruits like (peas, carrots, grapefruit, oranges & melon). These food are a good source of vitamins & minerals and help to ready them for the Winter.

Get your Pond Supplies, Cold Water Bacteria & Cool Temp Koi Food at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

After the water temp drops to 55 degrees I slow my feeding down to 1 time per day with just cool temp Koi food. Then after the water has reached 50 degree’s F. (sustained around 10 days time) STOP all feeding until Spring!

This is tough on me… BUT, I know it’s something that I have to do for their overall health. Feeding them when their metabolism is in Winter mode can/will kill them! So even on a warm day when they are literally begging for food – DON’T DO IT!

And don’t forget – keep the skimmer free of leaves & other debris. I even drape a leaf net over my Pond. It keeps maintenance down to a minimum.

Enjoy this beautiful #Pondtiptuesday!

Happy Pondering!


Mark Carter

Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio

2846 Old Medina Rd. 

Jackson, Tn. 38305

Ph# 731-424-2206

www.cartercountry.com



It’s Fall 🍁 When do I stop feeding my Koi high protein food and start feeding Cool Season Koi Food? | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Fall is in full swing! The sun is setting earlier every day & the temps are falling… And soon, Jack Frost 🥶 will be paying us a visit… The Koi have eaten well this year & have put on a good bit of fat to get them through the Cool Season ahead. Now is the time that many of my clients and fellow Koi enthusiasts start asking a very important question…

– When do I stop feeding regular food and start feeding Cool Season Koi Food?

– My Answer- Remember the rule of 60!

When the water temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit you should switch to a Lower Protein, Cool Season Koi Food. We like to call it the ‘Rule Of 60’… | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Switching to a Cool Temperature Koi Food is very important for the health of your Koi!

Every Pond should have a floating Pond thermometer. Our finned friends are cold blooded & water temperature is very important when it comes to seasonal feeding times. Pick one up at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

So be sure to – check your water temp (via a floating thermometer) & when your water temp drops to 60 degrees, you should transition to Cool Season Koi Food. That’s the “Rule of 60”

Fall is NOW! Enjoy your Koi 


Mark Carter
Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio
2846 Old Medina Rd.
Jackson, Tn. 38305
Ph.# 731-424-2206
http://www.cartercountry.com

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Pond Tip Tuesday | It’s October🍁Time For Our Annual Fall Pond Checklist | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Fall is in full season! Each year I try to post some seasonal Pond Tips. So here we go…

Fall will bring many changes to our Gardens and Ponds, its important to stay ahead of the game!

I always try to post proactive things you can do to keep your Water Garden clean and your Koi healthy over the Fall & Winter.
Things like –

  • Cutting your aquatic plants back
  • Installing pond netting
  • Keeping your skimmer clear
  • Using Cold Water Bacteria
  • Feeding Cool Temp Koi Food, etc. 
We stock a complete line of Water Treatment Products and supplies for your Pond and Water Garden. Including Cold Temp Beneficial Bacteria, Leaf Nets and Cool Season Fish Food | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

We stock bulk Leaf Netting at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio in Jackson, TN | It will keep debris out of your pond & help protect your fish from predators during the cold, bare months.

Pond Netting is a great tool to help keep the maintenance of your Water Garden or Koi Pond down to a minimum over the fall and winter. | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, Tennessee


Switch to Cold Water Bacteria NOW! – 

Our Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria works and keeps on working when the plants and fish aren’t active and really helps the quality of your Pond Water! It is extremely effective at reducing sludge, dead and decaying leaves and plants, built up fish waste & excess nutrients like ammonia, nitrates & phosphates. These things make for poor water quality, reduced water clarity and can have catastrophic effects on your fishes health.

REMEMBER! Keep an 👁 on Your Skimmer! 

Your Pond skimmer is a workhorse this time of year! Its catching and capturing all that debris that would otherwise end up on the bottom of your Pond! BUT, you have to empty it often in the Fall 

Or, you end up with this 

* Every Pond should have a floating Pond thermometer! Our finned friends are cold blooded & water temperature is very important when it comes to seasonal feeding times. Pick one up at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio.

This is standard equipment in every Koi Pond and Water Garden. Grab a Floating Pond Thermometer at Carters Nursery Pond & Patio today.

My final Pond Tip for today,

  • Switch to Cool Season Koi Food NOW… 
When the water temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit you should switch to a Lower Protein, Cool Season Koi Food. We like to call it the ‘Rule Of 60’… | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Well, there you have it, a little reminder to help keep the Maintenance to a minimum and to maximize the enjoyment of our wonderful hobby!

🍁 Viva La’ Fall 🍁

Happy Pondering!  

Mark Carter
Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio
2846 Old Medina Rd.
Jackson, Tn. 38305
Ph.# 731-424-2206
http://www.cartercountry.com

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The Fall Water Garden Workshop is Today 9-12 at Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Today we will host a Water Garden Maintenance Class to teach you about Fall & Winter Koi Pond/Water Garden care! The class will start at 9am.! Come in, take part and learn how to make your Pond even more low maintenance in the cooler season.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

WHAT: The 24th. Annual Fall Workshop
WHEN: SATURDAY, October 1st. – 9 am. to 12 pm.
WHERE: Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio 2846 Old Medina Rd. Jackson, Tn. 38305

We will have:

– Seasonal Maintenance Class
– Treats for the you & the kids
– A sale on water gardening products!
– A Sale on Fish and Aquatic Plants!
– Water Gardening experts on hand to answer all of your questions.

Fall is Coming! 

Mark Carter
Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio
2846 Old Medina Rd.
Jackson, Tn. 38305
Ph.# 731-424-2206
http://www.cartercountry.com

YouTube pg. –
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Carters Nursery Pond & Patio Presents “The Fall Pond Maintenance Workshop” | Our Final Event of 2022 | Saturday, October 1st. | Jackson, TN

I just got our ‘Official’ Video for our upcoming workshop and wanted to share it here.

This Spring/Summer Season has flown by! 💨 The 1st ‘official’ day of Fall 2022 is in less then a week 😮 We want to help you be ready for a low maintenance Fall! So come on out and enjoy a morning of learning with the Pro’s!

– We will host a Water Garden Maintenance Class to teach you about Fall & Winter Koi Pond/Water Garden care! The class will start at 9am.! Come in, take part and learn how to make your Pond even more low maintenance in the cooler season. 

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

WHAT: The 24th. Annual Fall Workshop
WHEN: SATURDAY, October 1st. – 9 am. to 12 pm.
WHERE: Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio 2846 Old Medina Rd. Jackson, Tn. 38305

We will have:

– Seasonal Maintenance Class
– Treats for the you & the kids
– A sale on water gardening products!
– A Sale on Fish and Aquatic Plants!
– Water Gardening experts on hand to answer all of your questions.

Fall is Coming!🍁 

Mark Carter
Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio
2846 Old Medina Rd.
Jackson, Tn. 38305
Ph.# 731-424-2206
http://www.cartercountry.com

YouTube pg. –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dPkQiE04jcr385SOL0gkw

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Pinterest pg. – https://www.pinterest.com/cartersnursery/



Sunday Reflections…

Light rain falling this morning. Cool air. Last day of July… Lazy Sunday! We have been so busy and it has been so Hot and Dry… This rainy, cool day off feels like a blessing 🙏🏻

“A break in the heat
away from the front
no thunder, no lightning,
just rain, warm rain
falling near dusk
falling on eager ground
steaming blacktop
hungry plants
thirsty
turning toward the clouds
cooling, soothing rain
splashing in sudden puddles
catching in open screens
that certain smell
of summer rain.”
–  Raymond A. Foss

Have a great ’Lazy Sunday’…

Mark C.



Sunday Reflections…

Last nights blowing cool front that came in from the North felt like such a blessing! It went from high humidity and HOT to breezy and cool in a moment! Wow! It literally felt like a gift from heaven 🙏🏻 After that we took a walk around the property and admired the Gardens ❤️ Then we sat on the swing, drank coffee and listened to the dryflies, frogs & crickets 🎶

This morning is so nice as well! Coffee and the promise of a little cooler weather… I will take it!

Enjoy this day that the lord has made 🙏🏻

“The steady buzzzzzzz of the Katydid chorus, 
the bass solo of the croaking Frog,
the steady woof-woof-woof a barking Dog – 
a summer night’s serenade.”
~ Michael P. Garofalo

Mark C.



Pond Tip Tuesday | Fall is Here! WHAT Do I Need To Do? | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Good Morning! This morning is the last morning of late Summer… tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox, ie; The 1st day of Fall 🍁

Fall will bring many changes to our Gardens and Ponds, its important to stay ahead of the game!

I always try to post proactive things you can do to keep your Water Garden clean and your Koi healthy over the Fall & Winter. Things like – Cutting your aquatic plants back, using pond netting, watching your skimmer more closely, feeding Cool Temp Koi Food, etc. – There’s another very important thing you can do to really keep your ecosystem active and working well 

– Switch to Cool Season Beneficial Bacteria!

We stock a complete line of Water Treatment Products for your Pond and Water Garden. Including Cold Temp Beneficial Bacteria | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Our Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria works and keeps on working when the plants and fish aren’t active and really helps the quality of your Pond Water! It is extremely effective at reducing sludge, dead and decaying leaves and plants, built up fish waste & excess nutrients like ammonia, nitrates & phosphates. These things make for poor water quality, reduced water clarity and can have catastrophic effects on your fishes health.

The next piece of ’Low Hanging Fruit’ im going to serve up is this : Every Pond should have a floating Pond thermometer 🌡 Our finned friends are cold blooded & water temperature is very important when it comes to seasonal feeding times. Pick one up at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio today.

This should be standard equipment in every Koi Pond and Water Garden. Grab one at Carters Nursery today…

The last Pond Tip for today is this – “Our Koi have eaten well this year & have put on a good bit of fat to get them through the Cool Season ahead. Now is the time that many of my clients and fellow Koi enthusiasts start asking a very important question…

– When do I stop feeding regular food and start feeding Cool Season Koi Food?

When the water temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit you should switch to a Lower Protein, Cool Season Koi Food. We like to call it the ‘Rule Of 60’… | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN


Switching to a Cool Temperature Koi Food is very important for the health of your Koi!

Well thats enough for today 😊 I just want you all to be ready with the tools and things you need to easily succeed during the changing of the seasons.

Tomorrow is the start of a new Season! Are You ready for some Fall? 🍁 🔥 🏈


Mark Carter
Carter’s Nursery, Pond & Patio
2846 Old Medina Rd.
Jackson, Tn. 38305
Ph.# 731-424-2206
http://www.cartercountry.com
YouTube pg. –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dPkQiE04jcr385SOL0gkw

Facebook pg. – https://www.facebook.com/mark.carter.775

Pinterest pg. – https://www.pinterest.com/cartersnursery/