Carter's Water Garden

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!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! & HAPPY NEW YEAR!