The Home and Garden Information Center

The Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC) provides research-based information on landscaping, gardening, plant health, household pests, food safety and preservation, and nutrition, physical activity & health. HGIC is designed to complement Clemson’s network of professionals and volunteers by answering the routine types of calls and thereby freeing agents to deal with commercial agriculture/horticulture questions and conduct proactive programming to larger audiences. 1-888-656-9988 (SC residents only, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, M – F)

In the Garden
Photo Blog
Tasty Bites
Recipes

Pet Owners Beware: 11 Poisonous Houseplants to Avoid

Aug 14, 2025 | In the Garden

Protect pets from poisoning—learn the top 11 toxic houseplants, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your home safe.

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – August 11, 2025

Aug 12, 2025 | In the Garden
Native Plant Spotlight: Spiderworts

Aug 7, 2025 | In the Garden
Question of the Week – Pickleworm

Aug 6, 2025 | In the Garden
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – August 4, 2025

Aug 5, 2025 | In the Garden
Peaches: The Story of South Carolina’s Non-native State Fruit

Aug 4, 2025 | In the Garden

August 11 Week 2 Garden Photos

Aug 11, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Montana has over 2900 native plant species. The best time to visit to see wildflowers in peak...

August 4 Week 1 Garden Photos

Aug 4, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants
July 28 Week 4 Garden Photos

Jul 28, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants
July 21 Week 3 Garden Photos

Jul 21, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants
July 14 Week 2 Garden Photos

Jul 14, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants
July 7 Week 1 Garden Photos

Jul 7, 2025 | Flowers, Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Water Storage Safety: How to Prepare for Emergencies

Aug 12, 2025 | Tasty Bites

Prepare for emergencies by storing clean water. Learn how to purify water with bleach and store it in the best containers to stay safe during storms.

Benefits of Batch Cooking for Busy Schedules and Budget Savings

Aug 11, 2025 | Tasty Bites
Water Infusion Recipes Using Fresh South Carolina Produce

Aug 4, 2025 | Tasty Bites
Growing Healthier Families Through Home Gardening

Jul 24, 2025 | Tasty Bites
Fit and Busy: How to Stay Active with a Packed Schedule

Jul 17, 2025 | Tasty Bites
Busy Body, Healthy Plate: Balancing Nutrition in a Fast-Paced World

Jun 23, 2025 | Tasty Bites

Creamy Fruit Salad

Sep 2, 2022 | Recipes

Salad: 8 cups of mixed fruit cut into bite-sized pieces (apple, grapes, pineapple, strawberries,...

Blueberry, Peach, and Cucumber Salad

Sep 1, 2022 | Recipes
BLT Pasta Salad

Aug 31, 2022 | Recipes
Hibiscus Ginger Tea

Jun 22, 2022 | Recipes
Banana Blueberry Muffins

Jun 21, 2022 | Food, Recipes
Apple and Pear Waldorf Salad

Nov 22, 2021 | Recipes

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Resources

Events

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Food

National Sweet Tea Day

Aug 18, 2022 | Freezing Basics, Tasty Bites

Iced tea has been on the menu since the 1870s. What made the iced tea novel wasn’t the tea but the...

National Ice Cream Day

Jul 5, 2022 | Food, Freezing Basics
Food Safety in Hurricanes & Floods

Mar 16, 2022 | Emergency, Food, Safe Handling
Going Fishing?

Jul 2, 2021 | Tasty Bites

Vegetables

Managing Fire Ants in the Vegetable Garden

Nov 4, 2021 | Fruits & Vegetables, In the Garden, Vegetables

Fire ants can damage vegetable crops and disrupt gardens. This guide outlines how to manage infestations using baits, mound treatments, and safe insecticides tailored for vegetable gardens.