Category: In the Garden

Bee balm is a fragrant, native plant pollinators love.

SC crop harvests rise with pest and disease pressure.

Learn how to protect your garden from deer damage with plants that are aromatic, toxic, or textured—three proven strategies for creating a more deer-resistant landscape.

This week’s SC Fruit & Vegetable Field Report highlights rising pest pressure from pickleworm, sunscald concerns in melons, and widespread disease across cucurbits, tomatoes, and peaches. Discover region-specific updates from agents across the state, plus timely recommendations for insect and disease control, scouting tips, and postharvest handling. Don’t miss out—protect your yield and stay ahead of seasonal challenges.

South Carolina’s landscapes host two very different mulberries. Discover how to spot the native red mulberry versus the introduced white mulberry, why colonists planted the latter for silk, how Indigenous communities and wildlife rely on these trees, and what you can do to protect native genetics.

This month’s Grower Spotlight takes Extension agent Phillip Carnley to J. Mac Produce in Gable, South Carolina. Owner Johnny McNair showcases his signature butter bean operation—‘Jackson Wonder’, ‘Thorogreen’, and more—alongside peas, sweet corn, and okra, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the farm’s shelling and packing line.

Frequent rain is creating disease concerns across South Carolina as summer harvest ramps up. Get region-specific updates on crop conditions, pests, and disease control strategies in this week’s field report.

Using pesticides without reading the label can waste time, harm plants, and pose safety risks. This blog explains how to correctly identify pest problems, apply products safely, and follow label instructions to protect your garden, yourself, and the environment.