Author: Justin Ballew

Question of the Week – Chinese Mantid Ootheca

Ever spotted a strange foam blob on a plant stem? It might be the ootheca of the Chinese mantid—a nonnative predator capable of hatching hundreds of young. Learn how to identify this egg mass, what mantids eat, how big they get, and why they’re both fascinating and formidable in the garden.

Question of the Week – WhiteMold

What’s wrong with your kale leaves? White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is emerging in South Carolina’s brassica fields. This fungus thrives in cool weather, causing leaf spots, white fungal growth, and plant decline. Learn how to identify and manage this disease before it spreads in your garden or field.

Question of the Week – Cold Damage

Noticing damage on your Lacinato kale leaves? This is likely cold damage, as Lacinato tends to be more sensitive than curly varieties like Winterbor. The good news is that new growth remains unaffected, and the plant will recover. Cold snaps following warm weather can stress leafy greens, but using row covers can help protect smaller plantings from temperature swings.

Question of the Week – Minute Pirate Bug

Curious about the tiny black and white critters on your plants? Minute pirate bugs are helpful predators that control pests like aphids and mites. Learn more about how they benefit your garden and the importance of minimizing pesticide use to protect them.

Question of the Week – Virus

The green circular patterns and discoloration on this pumpkin are caused by a viral infection, commonly found in fall cucurbit crops in South Carolina. Spread by aphids or cucumber beetles, these viruses often result in mosaic patterns and may be confused with herbicide damage.

Question of the Week – Sandblasting

Why does this tomato appear scarred on one side but normal on the other? This tomato is scarred on the side facing the prevailing winds. It was found on the outside row, next to a dirt drive row and...

Question of the Week – Timber Rattler

What kind of snake is this and is it poisonous? This is a timber rattler (Crotalus horridus), also known as a canebrake rattler. While snakes are not poisonous, this species is venomous. What is the...

Question of the Week – Armyworms

What is causing this lawn to turn brown even though it has received over 5 inches of rain so far this month? This lawn is infested with fall armyworms (Spodotera frugiperda). In just a few days, the...

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