Author: Justin Ballew

What Is It? Wednesday – Armyworm Egg Mass

Nov 29, 2023 | In the Garden

This is an armyworm egg mass on a tomato leaf, possibly from the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). The beet armyworm is a pest of vegetables across the Southern US. In warm weather, these eggs will...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – November 27, 2023

Nov 28, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes We finally got some rain to speak of over the holiday. The cooler weather and rain have really put the fall crops into gear. I have not seen or heard of many disease or...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – November 20, 2023

Nov 21, 2023 | In the Garden

From the SC Grower crew, we hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving later this week! Be sure to eat lots of fresh SC grown collard greens and sweetpotatoes! Coastal Region Zack Snipes We...

What Is It? Wednesday – Corn Earworm

Nov 15, 2023 | In the Garden

This is a corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) boring into a tomato. This common caterpillar pest is known by other names, including tomato fruitworm, cotton bollworm, and soybean podworm. Corn earworms...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – November 13, 2023

Nov 14, 2023 | In the Garden

Midlands Region Rob Last The area’s soil has been dry, with no significant rainfall recorded since mid-October until this past weekend. Following last week’s freeze events, growth is recovering well...

What Is It? Wednesday – Vetch

Nov 8, 2023 | In the Garden

Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is starting to show up in vegetable fields. Vetch is a cool-season weed that begins germinating in the fall and begins blooming in the winter, peaking in the spring....

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- November 6, 2023

Nov 7, 2023 | In the Garden

Midlands Region Rob Last Following last week’s freeze event, I am seeing some freeze injuries, as can be expected for sensitive crops such as tomatoes. Further damage may become evident in the next...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 30, 2023

Oct 31, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes We are very dry in the Lowcountry and could really use a good rain to water strawberries in. There is no mention of rain in the 10-day forecast, unfortunately. We are...

What Is It? Wednesday – Melonworm

Oct 25, 2023 | In the Garden

This hole was most likely made by a melonworm. A hole this size is actually an exit hole chewed by the worm on its way out to pupate. Before that, the worm was inside the bloom feeding on the...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 23, 2023

Oct 24, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes Strawberries were on everyone’s mind last week and again this week. We are in full swing of planting. To say I am underwhelmed at the plugs we have received is an...

What Is It? Wednesday- Fasciation

Oct 18, 2023 | In the Garden

This squash is showing abnormal growth, known as fasciation. Fasciation is the abnormal development of a meristem or growing point. The cause of this condition is not well understood but is most...

What Is It? Wednesday – Whitefly Damage

Oct 11, 2023 | In the Garden

The light-colored discoloration on these zucchini plant leaves is known as Squash Silverleaf Disorder (SSL) and is the result of immature whiteflies feeding on the squash leaves. SSL reduces the...