Author: Justin Ballew

What Is It? Wednesday- Cope’s Grey Treefrog

Mar 15, 2023 | In the Garden

I found this little guy while walking through the woods, scoping out turkey hunting spots. This species spends most of the year high in the trees, so finding it down low is likely a sign that...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – March 13, 2023

Mar 14, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Justin Ballew reports, “Well, we knew a “late” cold spell was likely to happen at some point. Growers will need to take some steps to prepare for the cold over the next few days. The...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- March 6, 2023

Mar 7, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Fruit crops are all developing well with good fruit set and flowering. Strawberry crops are beginning to ripen, heralding a fresh taste of spring. Pests and disease...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report– February 27, 2023

Feb 28, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “After a warm week in the Lowcountry, we received some welcome showers. The rainfall will aid in cultivating and bed formation for spring crops. Beds should be...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – February 20, 2023

Feb 21, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “If you’re growing strawberries in the warmest parts of the state and you haven’t been checking and/or spraying your fields for spider mites, you’re going to want to....

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – February 13, 2023

Feb 14, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “When scouting strawberry fields for spider mites, also keep an eye out for naturally occurring predatory mites, such as the [potentially] highly effective specialist...

What Is It? Wednesday – Phytophthora Crown Rot

Feb 8, 2023 | In the Garden

This dark reddish/brown discoloration in the crown is a typical symptom of Phytophthora crown rot. The first observable signs of this disease include wilting and browning of the leaves in the field....

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- February 6, 2023

Feb 7, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Guido Schnabel reports, “The new year started with a disappointment and scare for some strawberry growers. Stunted plants, gaps in the strawberry rows, and leaves dying. The extent of the...

Watermelons

Feb 3, 2023 | Fruits & Vegetables, Vegetables

Grow juicy, sweet watermelons with advice on soil preparation, watering, and harvesting.

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – January 30, 2023

Jan 31, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “When spider mites first invade and establish in fields, they will be distributed in a series of clustered hot spots, usually near field borders, especially near a dusty...

What Is It? Wednesday – Discolored Cauliflower

Jan 25, 2023 | In the Garden

What Caused Parts of This Cauliflower Head to Purple? This cauliflower has some purpling/reddening caused by exposure to sunlight. It is important to have enough healthy leaves on the plant to cover...

Pepper

Jan 24, 2023 | Fruits & Vegetables, Vegetables

Master the art of growing peppers, from sweet bell varieties to spicy chili peppers, with these care tips.