Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard
“How do I attract wildlife to my backyard? Or “I want to see more animals in my yard.” I often hear this question/statement from wildlife-loving homeowners. It is important to note that you do not...
Category: In the Garden
A Bouquet of Sunshine
Most of my childhood recollections involve plants, dogs, and being constantly outdoors on the family farm and the Saluda River. This time of year, when my landscape is full of blooming daffodils, I...
This Month in Your Garden- March 2023
Coastal Region – Brad Fowler March normally brings with it a few warmer days, and it may be tempting to turn the irrigation on to make sure plants and turf are getting enough water, but try to...
What Is It? Wednesday- White Peach Scale
This is an infestation of white peach scale. White peach scale isn’t terribly common to find, and when you do see it, it is usually concentrated on just a few trees within a much larger block. We...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report– February 27, 2023
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...
A Lazy Gardener Loves the Garden
While many think of vegetables when using the word garden, the basic definition of a garden, as a plot of soil in which plants are grown, is widely inclusive. Gardeners are passionate about native...
What is It? Wednesday – Yellowmargin Leaf Beetle and Vegetable Weevil damage
This Napa cabbage is being fed on by larvae of both the yellow margined leaf beetle (YMLB, Microtheca ochroloma) and vegetable weevil (Listroderes difficilis). YMLB can be a significant pest for...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – February 20, 2023
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....
WANTED: Elaeagnus – Dead, Not Alive
While walking in the South Carolina Botanical Garden, I came across a substantial pile of Elaeagnus recently cut from our woods. My eye was caught by the silvery underside of the leaves flashing in...
Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia solida var. fejeensis) is a favorite of mine and one of the easiest tropical houseplant ferns to grow. Native to Fiji, the genus name, Davallia, was derived in honor of...
What Is It? Wednesday – Collard Damage
I routinely scout the collards in my yard for insect pests and enjoy watching wasps parasitize worms and aphids. I walked out the other day and thought the wasps must be taking a break from...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – February 13, 2023
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...