Category: In the Garden

Question of the Week – Planthopper

Jul 24, 2024 | In the Garden

What left the fluffy, white deposit on this zinnia stem? This fluffy material was left by a flatid planthopper. Flatid planthoppers feed on a variety of ornamental plants. The ¼” long adults appear...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 22, 2024

Jul 23, 2024 | In the Garden

Scattered rain fell over the weekend. Peppers and okra are coming as the watermelon harvest finishes up. Disease and insect pressure remains high, and planning for strawberry planting is beginning....

Question of the Week – Spider Mites

Jul 17, 2024 | In the Garden

What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf? This damage was caused by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urica). While spider mites are often included in discussions of insect management,...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report–July 15, 2024

Jul 16, 2024 | In the Garden

A few areas received rain over the last week, contributing to increases in disease and fruit split. Sunscald and blossom end rot are becoming common, and insect pressure remains high. See details...

Meeting a Mydas Fly

Jul 15, 2024 | In the Garden

Conducting summer camps at the South Carolina Botanical Garden affords much more time to explore the grounds and make new discoveries alongside the young participants. On the Tuesday of our first...

Question of the Week – TSWV

Jul 10, 2024 | In the Garden

What is going on with this Roma tomato? The tie-dye appearance of this tomato is due to it being infected by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV is an important virus of tomato, pepper, eggplant,...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 8, 2024

Jul 9, 2024 | In the Garden

Scattered rain this past weekend brought some much needed relief to parts of the state. Insect pressure remains high in some places, and disease pressure is climbing. Harvest of several summer crops...

Hummingbird Favorite: Pentas

Jul 8, 2024 | In the Garden

Every spring, I visit local garden centers, searching for colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds. I like to combine these flowers in containers and place them where I can watch hummingbirds...

Question of the Week – Rocky Shoals Spider Lily

Jul 3, 2024 | In the Garden

What is this flower that was found growing on a rock in the middle of a river? This is a rocky shoals spider lily (Hymenocallis coronaria). This species is endemic to the Southeast and grows only in...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 1, 2024

Jul 2, 2024 | In the Garden

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day later this week! Parts of the state received some much-needed rain over the past several days. Hot weather is causing many crops to come to...

This Month in Your Garden – July 2024

Jul 1, 2024 | In the Garden

Coastal Region – Christopher Burtt Water is essential. This time of year can bring inconsistent rainfall, and with the heat, supplemental irrigation may be needed. Make sure to water deeply...

Question of the Week – Pink Lemonade Blueberry

Jun 26, 2024 | In the Garden

What is wrong with these blueberries? This week was a trick question. Nothing is wrong with these blueberries! This is a variety called Pink Lemonade that, when fully ripe, has a deep pink color. I...