Heirloom Vegetables
Heirloom vegetables are defined in several ways. Some consider heirlooms to be any vegetable cultivars that have been grown for a certain length of time. Other people consider vegetables to be truly...
Category: Fruits & Vegetables
Pomegranate
Pomegranates (Punica granatum) have been popular fruit throughout human history and are experiencing a surge in popularity at present due to the health benefits associated with their juice. Widely...
Soil Testing
There are several nutrients that are essential for plant growth. A soil test is used to determine the amount of these nutrients in the soil. The soil test results are subsequently used to make a...
Muscadine Grape
Muscadine grapes (Muscadinia rotundifolia; formerly Vitis rotundifolia) are truly a fruit for the South. Native to the Southeastern United States, they were discovered by the early colonists and...
Reasons for Poor-Quality Pecans
Pecans (Carya illinoensis spp.) can be planted and cultivated in any soil in South Carolina aside from poorly drained soil, hardpan or stiff clays, or thin sands with a high water table. Trees...
Pecan Diseases
Pecan trees (Carya illinoensis) are widely grown in South Carolina mainly for both their tasty edible nuts and shade. Pecan trees are susceptible to several diseases in our area due to the hot and...
Fig
When it comes to growing homegrown fruit, nothing could be easier than figs. Cultivated for thousands of years, figs have few demands on their caregivers. There are about 470 varieties of common...
Food Safety for Outdoor Cookouts
Grilling vs. Smoking Grilling: Grilling is cooking food over direct heat. Its intensity is similar to broiling, so tender meats and poultry are best for grilling. A grill is a utensil made of...
Strawberry Basics
Selecting Strawberries Choose bright red, fresh and clean strawberries with a sweet scent. Choose berries with green caps still attached. Choose containers that are clean and in good condition. Make...
Pepper Basics
Purchasing & Preparing Peppers Sweet peppers should be fresh-looking, firm, thick-fleshed and a bright green or red color, depending on the stage of maturity. Avoid peppers that are soft and...
Peach Basics
Getting Ready to Preserve Peaches Choose ripe, mature fruit of ideal quality for eating fresh or cooking. Dip fruit in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds until skins loosen. Dip quickly in cold...
Melon Basics
Buying Melons When selecting melons of any variety, look for quality and freshness. The melon rind should have good color and should not be misshapen or bruised. The rind should give slightly at the...