Author: Millie Davenport

How to take a soil sample

Apr 12, 2019 | Landscape, Video

Why test? A soil test provides fertilizer and lime recommendations, if needed. How do I take a sample? After all, the results are only as good as the sample. Collect 8-10 samples from the surface to a 6 inch depth (2-4 inches for lawns). A soil probe may be used, if available. Mix all samples in a plastic bucket. Fill bag with 2 cups of the mixed soil. A plastic sandwich bag may also be used....

Bulbs in the Landscape

Apr 4, 2019 | In the Garden

Spring bulbs will soon fade, and the foliage of hardy summer bulbs will start to emerge. Even though it may be tempting, do not remove foliage from the faded spring bulbs that have past their prime....

FAQs about Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Mar 18, 2019 | Fruits & Vegetables, In the Garden, Vegetables

What is the advantage of starting vegetables from seed? Choosing to start vegetable plants from seeds allows gardeners the freedom to try varieties that are not readily available as transplants,...

Gift Plants

Feb 11, 2019 | In the Garden

Consider living plants as an alternative to traditional cut flowers for Valentine’s Day this year. Cyclamen, kalanchoe, and miniature roses are all great alternatives. Cyclamen has heart shaped...

Pruning Muscadines

Jan 31, 2019 | In the Garden

Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are native to the Carolinas, making them a relatively low-maintenance fruit that is well adapted to our warm and humid climate. Gardeners experience very few...

Poinsettia Care

Dec 12, 2018 | In the Garden

Poinsettias are a classic holiday plant used to decorate homes from November to December. When South Carolinian Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, introduced the poinsettia to the...

Plant A Tree

Dec 10, 2018 | In the Garden

December is the month we celebrate Arbor Day. So, consider planting a tree in honor of this day. Start by selecting the right plant for the site. First, analyze the chosen site by checking the soil...

Prepare Houseplants to Move Back Inside

Oct 8, 2018 | In the Garden

There are several tropical plant species that are susceptible to chill injury at temperatures at or below 50°F. So, make plans now to start moving them back indoors. It is best to move plants...

September Week 4 Plants

Sep 24, 2018 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Fall is here but cooler temperatures have not arrived. With the warmer weather, insects and animals are still active and late summer flowers are still blooming. Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica)...

September Week 3 Insects & Animals

Sep 19, 2018 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Insects and Animals

Tersa Spinx Moth Caterpillar (1) (Xylophanes tersa) Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) The fall migration of the monarch butterflies has started....

Prepare Warm-Season Lawns for Winter

Sep 17, 2018 | In the Garden

Follow these steps to prepare warm-season lawns for the winter: Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer at this time. Lime and/or potassium may be applied at this time if a soil test indicates that it is...

September Week 2 Plants

Sep 12, 2018 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Late summer is an exciting time in the landscape. Insects and animals are still active, some summer flowers are still blooming, and a taste of fall is in the air. Hardy banana (Musa sp.) S. Cory...