Today is the 1st. Official Day of Winter ❄️ And not to be outdone, we are about to set some Winter records… Yes, snow and record low temps and windchills are coming! On top of all that, today is #waterfallwednesday, so I feel like I have to combine the two… Have you ever seen what super low temperatures can do to a Waterfall? Check this little video out of my pond on a COLD Day 👇🏻
Wow right?! This is one of the many reasons I Love my Waterfalls ❤️ There is something special in every season! I love a little ice baby 😳 But this might get bad…
I hope y’all are ready for this weather! 0 degree temps with – 25 degree wind chills 🥶 Bundle up! Take up some water! Keep a dry hose to top off your pond if needed! And drip those faucets 💧 🙏🏻
Be ready for the Fall & Winter months ahead of time! Come to our Free workshop and learn more.
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.
Pete and Repeat… Yes, Another ICE Warning for your Ponds… There is some Bad Weather Coming. Below 0 wind chills and Several chances for BIG snow accumulations next week, and more ice to boot! Be Ready!
Brrrrr! 🥶 Baby, it’s COLD outside! I think the Pond is frozen… What do I do? As my nephew, Nick, the Eagle Scout says, “Always Be Prepared”! AND, Don’t worry, it’s not hard to be ready!
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi! The powerful shock waves created by a blow to the ice can break their bones and rupture organs!
The #1 Rule if your pond ever Ices over – NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it! It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating pond heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface. Just do it!
Be ready before snow and ice cause a problem!
We don’t get too many Ice Days’ here in West Tennessee, but when we do, it’s Never at a convenient moment… In other words, if your not prepared, it can be an emergency
Simple Winter Pond Tool Kit 1 – 5 gallon bucket 🪣 (use to add water as needed. Hot tap water from your faucet will melt a hole in ice if needed)
2 – Clean, dry Water-hose (store in garage or shed so it will be ready to go when needed)
3 – Floating Pond Heater (A floating heater will maintain a opening 🕳 in an ice covered pond. This will allow for oxygen exchange and will keep your Koi alive).
That my Pond Tip today – Be Prepared! Next week, you might thank me…
It’s the talk of the town! The stores are packed! Good luck finding fresh loaf bread 🍞 and sweet milk… Kerosene is in high demand! And there’s a line at the gas station ⛽️ Will there be an ICE STORM?!
It’s rare for a painting to capture the ‘essence’ of an event. But, I think this one does 😊 Why bread and milk you ask? 2 words – French Toast! 💥
I have lived through a few pretty good ice storms myself! The first was in the early 70’s and it shut the whole town down! Then another around 1985 – pretty bad, but power was back up in a matter of days, so not too bad. Then the big un’ in 1994! Jo and I were newly weds and I remember it well! We laid in the bed and listened to the trees breaking and falling and watched the lights go out… They didn’t come back on for over 3 weeks 😳 But, we had candles, kerosene heaters, a gas cook stove and plenty of Love ❤️ So, it wasn’t that bad 😊 But, I’m sure not hoping for a repeat! If your a prepper, have a few essentials and be careful trying to get out in the roads until the ice melts. That’s the biggest danger most of us will face – a wreck on icy 🥶 roads…
Take care of your Koi and your other pets during times of unusual cold! Remember- Don’t break the ice on your Pond! And Bring those pets inside when it gets bad! Love your pets ❤️
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi!
They are getting ready to spray salt on the roads now… Y’all be careful 🙏🏻
“The iceman was coming, t’was ice that I smelt Another ice storm, was about to be dealt More ice to be salted And more ice to melt I’m no fan of ice, and that’s how I felt.”
Brrr! 🥶 Baby, it’s COLD outside! I think the Pond is frozen… What do I do? As my nephew the Eagle Scout says, “Be Prepared”! AND, Don’t worry, it’s not hard to be ready!
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi! The powerful shock waves created by a blow to the ice can break their bones and rupture organs!
The #1 Rule if your pond ever Ices over – NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it! It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating pond heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface. Just do it!
We don’t get too many Ice Days’ here in West Tennessee, but when we do, it’s Never at a convenient moment… In other words, if your not prepared, it can be an emergency 🚨
Simple Winter Pond Tool Kit 1 – 5 gallon bucket 🪣 (use to add water as needed. Hot tap water from your faucet will melt a hole in ice if needed)
2 – Clean, dry Water-hose 💦 (store in garage or shed so it will be ready to go when needed)
3 – Floating Pond Heater (A floating heater will maintain a opening 🕳 in an ice covered pond. This will allow for oxygen exchange and will keep your Koi alive).
Good morning! It’s Pond Tip Tuesday again, and I want to try to get ahead of the weather a little bit and talk about the inevitable problem that comes with Winter… Ice 🧊
As a matter of fact, we got down to 28 degrees night before last, and it’s just now November.
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi! Instead, melt a hole 🕳 in the Ice with hot tap water.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it! It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating pond heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface. Just do it!
My Pond Tip today is be ready for the ice! Have a floating heater on hand. Or a small pump to use in freezing weather to keep a hole open. And don’t forget that dry hose and 5 gallon bucket! They will be your best friend if and when the temperatures plummet!
10 degree windchill this morning 🥶 Brrr! Ice Ice Baby! But, don’t worry, it will be ok… Just don’t break the ice!
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi! The powerful shock waves created by a blow to the ice can break their bones and rupture organs!
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it! It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating pond heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface. Just do it! 😊
It’s cold for a few days, but it will warm soon. Lets take care of our finned friends ❤️
Winter is Coming! I really want everyone with a Water Garden or Koi Pond to be prepared and to stay ahead of potential problems. Cold weather is here and snow is in the forecast, so being prepared is important. I post this every year, but I still get people asking me these questions. So I have learned to keep on posting! Repetition is a huge part of getting a message through… Be prepared 😊
PLANTS AND DEBRIS:
Remove plant debris and other organic matter. Excess organic matter can contribute to increased algae growth. A large amount of leaves collected in the bottom of your pond will decompose and produce tannins. This can be harmful to your fish and reduce water clarity. Leaves can also collect in the stream and cause a plant dam. It is very important to keep your skimmer net cleaned out regularly during the heavy leaf fall, DAILY if needed. Pond netting which can be purchased at Carter’s Nursery can make these things less problematic and will make it easier on you during the winter.
We stock bulk pond 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.
HEALTHY FISH:
Its time to STOP feeding your Koi. The water temps are below 50 degrees F here in West Tn now, so it’s time… Spring isn’t really that far away…
WINTER BEAUTY:
Leaving your waterfall running all winter will not hurt anything. As matter of fact, it could give you some beautiful photo op’s. The running water will make some breath taking natural ice sculptures. So keep your camera handy. And get some close ups. But be sure to watch out for ice dams. These can cause your pond to lose some excessive amounts of water.
A snowy landscape is Beautiful! Get out and take some beautiful pictures 😊
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it!It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface.
If you turn your pond off in a bad freeze, use a floating heater/de-icer to maintain a hole in the ice to exchange gases/oxygen for your fish’s health and well being. You can purchase a floating pond heater at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio.
LOW TEMP. BACTERIA:
Use Low Temp bacteria treatments when the water reaches 55 degrees F. This will help keep the pond clean, keep the water healthy and make your Spring pond clean out much easier.
Keep using your Bacteria through the winter for a cleaner, healthier pond.
I hope this helps! I enjoy the winter, it is really a great season! So many birds visit the Pond to drink and eat, it’s a wonderful time to do all my garden planning and I know that Spring is right around the corner!
We have been experiencing Chicago weather in West Tn…. Below zero wind chills and even highs below freezing! Many are asking – Can I turn my Pond/Water Garden OFF during this weather and not harm my fish?
A floating pond de-icer can help you maintain an opening in the ice even in the coldest weather.
The answer is – Yes! IF you do it right. One of the best ways to manage this is by using a floating Pond De-Icer (available at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio). We have 3 different models all are under $100 and all have at least a 2 year warrantee – call 731-424-2206 with questions.
If you turn your pond off in a bad freeze, use a floating heater/de-icer to maintain a hole in the ice to exchange gases/oxygen for your fish’s health and well being. You can purchase a floating pond heater at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio.
They are simple to install – just float it in your pond and plug it in. It will maintain an open hole in the surface of the pond to allow the exchange of gases and oxygen to keep your fish alive and healthy! I LOVE my Koi and want to make sure they are safe and healthy. I hope this helps.
Man it’s COLD! WOW! I walked out to check on my Water Garden a few minutes ago ❄️ Folks, it’s Cold out there! I was at a full trot by the time I made it back to the door 😳 My dogs were even ready to come back in!
Scout and Ranger were both fully dressed, so I don’t think they got as cold as I did 😇 LOL!
Good News! My Water Garden is doing fine! My Koi have assumed the position “Hovering at the bottom” as usual this time of year… So, alls well with the Pond 😊They are just like me, waiting for Spring!
But, I still get a few calls every year when it gets ‘Really Cold’ outside, especially when you see some icing, and it’s almost always the same few questions, with #1 lately (today) being, “Will my Koi be ok in Cold like this’? First, let me say – What a considerate question! People LOVE their pets 😊 So, let me give you the good news… Yes! Your Koi will survive this cold snap and will be just fine!
Koi are cold blooded (Poikilothermic) fish, In the wintertime, their metabolism slows to a crawl. They can usually be found at the bottom of the pond, hovering, ie: treading water. | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, Tennessee
There are a few things that you can do to help them through a cold snap! # 1 is – IF your Pond tries to freeze – Keep a hole open in the ice! This should be a preventative measure and hopefully not a reactionary one…
If you turn your ponds pump off in a bad freeze, use a floating heater/de-icer to maintain a hole in the ice to exchange gases/oxygen for your fish’s health and well being. You can purchase a floating pond heater at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio.
There are a LOT of articles on this BLOG that will help you with your Water Garden & Koi! But, to cover today’s question/concerns, Your Koi will be OK 👌🏻
Carter's Water Garden 