Carter's Water Garden


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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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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Friday Radio Report | LIVE Talk Radio | WNWS 101.5 FM | Everybody Talks | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Good Morning! Here we are 1 week into Autumn and it feels so nice 😊 It’s a another BEAUTIFUL DAY! 🍁 I am walking into the studios of WNWS 101.5 FM, in downtown Jackson, TN! I’m going ‘LIVE’ from 9-11 am with Seabass and Chuck Walker on the best little show in Jackson – “Everybody Talks” 💥!

I’m LIVE today from 9-11am Call in and lets have some FUN! 731-423-8101

I’ll be here from 9-11am – So get your questions ready! We will be talking Outdoor Living, Koi Ponds, ‘Cool Season’ gardening, trimming, mulching, landscaping, pumpkin carving, football 🏈 and LOVING FALL ❤️🍁 Tune in! 📻

PS: Ask about our upcoming Fall Aquatic Workshop ! It’s FREE! And it’s tomorrow!

We will talk about just about anything that YOU want to talk about! Ask a question, send in a picture, share a story (but please, NO politics!) It’s Friday! Call in and join us – 731-423-8101

For 20 years Ive been involved with this Friday Talk Show and it just keeps getting better! The phone # is still the same – 731-423-8101

– HEY, You can listen, and you can call in and talk… the # is the same that it has been for over 20 years – 731-423-8101. But, did you know you can text your comments and questions? 731-277-5155

Did you know you can text us? Texting us is so easy! 731-277-5155 Give us a shout out from the dog house 

Also – Come by and see us at the Nursery! We are open today until 4pm and tomorrow 8-2! Fall is in the air! 

Fall is in at Carters!

Come on in to Carters Nursery and get what you need for your Garden and your Pond! We have Plants, Shrubs & Perennials! And all the cool season Pond treatments you need! Including cool season Koi Food! We’ve got stone by the pound and Sod by the piece! Plus cool hats, jeans, garden decor and gifts in our ’Unique Boutique’!


I’m looking forward to seeing ya’ on the air…

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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Summer Is Nearing It’s End… The Autumnal Equinox is Thursday 🍁 Do the seasons know it’s time? | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

The older I get, the quicker these seasonal changes seem to come… WOW! Are we already looking at the END of Summer?

Earth seasons as Effect of the Earth’s axial tilt. Infographics for summer and winter solstice, autumnal and spring equinox Northern Hemisphere. Sun path diagram or day arc for year. Vector illustration.

Summer is going out on a HOT note! High 90’s today & we may very well see 100 degrees tomorrow! 🥵 But, then on the official 1st day of Fall (Thursday the 22nd) the high is only gonna be around 80 degrees… Do the seasons know it’s time?

The trees and plants know what to do for sure. I always LOVE watching the color show unfold 🍁

“During the autumnal equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator, and the northern and southern hemispheres get the same amount of rays. The alignment officially occurs this year on Thursday, September 22”

So the 1st full day of Fall is on the 22nd. Are you ready for Fall?

“Lyric night of the lingering Indian summer, Shadowy fields that are scentless but full of singing, Never a bird, but the passionless chant of insects, Ceaseless, insistent. The grasshopper’s horn, and far-off, high in the maples, The wheel of a locust leisurely grinding the silence Under a moon waning and worn, broken, Tired with summer. Let me remember you, voices of little insects, Weeds in the moonlight, fields that are tangled with asters, Let me remember, soon will the winter be on us, Snow-hushed and heavy. Over my soul murmur your mute benediction, While I gaze, O fields that rest after harvest, As those who part look long in the eyes they lean to, Lest they forget them.”

~ Sara Teasdale

Here’s to changing seasons… 🍾


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

Spring is in full swing! We are approaching our last frost date and the whole world is greening up, I LOVE it! ❤️ So do my Koi! They have been tearing up the Cool Season Koi Food and the veggies I have been feeding them. In fact, many of my customers and fellow Koi enthusiasts have been feeding their Koi Cool Season Food & have started asking me the all important question…

– When can I start feeding regular Koi Food and Color Enhancing Koi Food?

– My Answer- Remember the rule of 60!

When the water temperature has stabilized above 60 degrees Fahrenheit you can switch to a Higher Protein or a Color Enhancing Koi Food. We like to call it the ‘Rule Of 60’… | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

We have covered The Rule of 50 in previous Blogs, when coming out of Winter into Spring, you must let the water temp stabilize for at least a week at 50+ degrees Fahrenheit before you start to feed your koi, AND, when you do start back to feeding, you should use a quality, Cool Season Koi Food! And don’t over feed! Gradually reintroduce food to them in small amounts.

Oh yea! Spring has arrived and the water is steadily warming. Time to feed your Pond Fish!

Now, at least for me (check your thermometer) it’s time to make the transition to a regular Koi Food. In fact, I will start to feed both high protein and color enhancing feed, alternating weekly between the two.

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, lets wrap it up… check your water temp & when your above 60 degrees for several days in a row and climbing, you can transition to warm season Koi Food. That’s the “Rule of 60”…

Viva La’ Spring!

Happy Pondering!


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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Friday Radio Report | Live Talk Radio | WNWS 101.5FM | Everybody Talks | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

I am walking into the studios of WNWS 101.5 FM, in downtown Jackson to go LIVE from 9-11 am with the “Hardest Working Hosts in Show Business” – Seabass and Chuck Walker! Join us NOW on “Everybody Talks”!

I’m on today 9-11am Call in and lets have some FUN! 731-423-8101

Spring is upon us! So we will be talking Outdoor Living, Koi Ponds, Gardening, trimming, mulching, landscaping, AND, Just about anything else that YOU want to talk about! Ask a question, send in a picture, share a story (but please, NO politics!) It’s Friday! Call in and join us – 731-423-8101 

For 20 years Ive been involved with this Friday Talk Show and it just keeps getting better! The phone # is still the same – 731-423-8101

You can listen, and you can call in and talk, the # is the same that it has been for over 20 years – 731-423-8101. But, did you know you can text your comments and questions? 731-277-5155

Please Text us at 731-277-5155 It’s so easy!

Carters Nursery is open to serve you today until 4pm. Drop by and say Hi

Spring is Coming! 

We have Everything for your Pond and Water Garden at Carters Nursery Pond & Patio. From Seasonal Food and Water Treatments to Filters and Supplies, we have you covered! 

Its pond cleaning season! You can get all your supplies at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio. 


In only 2 weeks we will hosting our annual Spring Workshop and Customer Appreciation Day! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 19th.

I always look forward to Fridays on the radio! Its always so much fun! Give us a call 731-423-8101.

TGIF! See ya’ on the air…

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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Pond Tip Tuesday | Koi Pond Tips | The Water Temp is Rising! | Remember The Rule Of 50 | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

I try to post good seasonal info to help you with your Ponds and Water Gardens. Water Temps impact feeding times for our Koi, which makes it a very important thing to keep up with! Sure enough, the days are getting longer and it’s almost that time again!

It’s almost time to start feeding our Koi “Cool Temp. Fish Food” & even some fresh fruits and veggies like peas, oranges, grapefruit & softened carrots again! YES!!! Just remember to read the thermometer & follow the “Rule of 50”! Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

“I’ve been keeping a close eye 👁 my Pond Thermometer 🌡 these last few weeks! The temperature of the water has been steadily rising as the days slowly get longer… Today my water temp is 45 degrees F. What is yours?

Start your Koi of right by feeding a quality Cold/Cool Temp Food. They are cold blooded and it’s really important to get them off to a proper start. We stock High Quality Cool Temp Koi Food at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

I will start the feeding season with Cool Temp Koi Food when the water temp has stabilized at over 50 + degrees for several days. The “rule of 50” I like to call it 😊

So, lets wrap this little Pond Tip up…

The Rule of 50 = Let the water temp stabilize for a week or so at 50+ degrees Fahrenheit before you start to feed your koi this Spring. AND, when you do start back to feeding, use a quality, Cool Season Koi Food!

PS: Don’t over feed!

Happier days are on the way!

Spring is Coming!

Happy Pondering!

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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Pond Tip Tuesday | Koi Health | It’s Fall, Remember The Rule of 50 | Carters Nursery Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Fall is in full swing! The sun is setting earlier every day & the temps are falling… And 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. 


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

YouTube pg. –
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Pond Tip Tuesday! | Fall Pond Checklist | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN
October 19, 2021, 4:06 pm
Filed under: Food, Fountains, General Blog Entry's, God Bless America, Koi, Koi Ponds, Lake and Pond, Landscaping & Gardening, Love, Nursery, Outdoor Lifestyles, Pond Tips, water garden, Waterfalls | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fall is in full season! In fact we are only a couple of weeks from Peak Viewing time for Fall foliage in TN! Then you will again realize where ”Fall” gets its name… 🍁 🍁🍁

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. –

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.

Keep an Eye 👁 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. 

My final Pond Tip for today is this – 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


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

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!

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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Pond Tip Tuesday | Feed Your Koi Now To Pack On Some Pounds For Winter | Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

These warm Summer nights are so nice! It’s a great time to get outside for more than one reason. First to enjoy the cooler part of your day and, to start “fattening up your Koi” for the coming cool season.

Evenings are a great time to feed your Koi. This time of the season is when I really start feeding heavily, they need to put on some fat to get them through the coming cool season.

I’m feeding Koi Food, Koi Snacks and fruit 🍉 as a treat. And they are gobbling it all up 😋

So, my Pond Tip for this week is – Get out there and enjoy your Ponds and feed your Fish like your fattening them for market.

I stock high quality, fresh Koi Food at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio | Jackson, TN

Have a great evening!

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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