Category: In the Garden

The Evolution of a Garden Space

May 20, 2024 | In the Garden

Many years ago, when our children were young, my husband built an in-ground pool. It provided many hours of fun and relaxation for my family. About 20 years ago after our children left, I was...

Question of the Week – Killdeer

May 15, 2024 | In the Garden

Which common bird made its nest underneath this cucumber plant? These eggs were laid by a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), who gets its name from their characteristic “kill-dee kill-dee” call heard...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – May 13, 2024

May 14, 2024 | In the Garden

Cucurbit downy mildew was found in the state this past week on cucumbers in Charleston. All commercial cucurbit growers need to be on the lookout and start preventative fungicide applications, if...

Unsung Pollinator Heroes: Beetles

May 13, 2024 | In the Garden

Beetles were already pollinating the first flowers before bees evolved. Many of the flowers with an ancient lineage, including magnolia and spicebush, are beetle-pollinated, but so are many other...

Question of the Week – Periodical Cicada

May 8, 2024 | In the Garden

What is this red-eyed creature found crawling up a pine tree? This is a periodical cicada nymph that has just crawled out of the soil after 13 years of feeding and developing underground and is now...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – May 6, 2024

May 7, 2024 | In the Garden

Check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Coastal Region Anna Sara...

Foxglove

May 6, 2024 | In the Garden

For years, Foxglove (Digitalis species) has been a quintessential cottage garden flower. It is native to Europe and is a member of the plantain (Plantaginaceae) family. Foxglove adds height and...

This Month in Your Garden- May 2024

May 2, 2024 | In the Garden

Coastal Region – Brad Fowler The time to fertilize warm-season turfgrass has finally arrived. Be sure to fertilize based on soil test results and the specific needs of the turf. Check out the...

Question of the Week – Brown Lacewing

May 1, 2024 | In the Garden

What is this critter that was found resting on the wall inside of a garage? This is another beneficial insect: a brown lacewing. Brown lacewings are smaller than the more common green lacewings,...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – April 29, 2024

Apr 30, 2024 | In the Garden

Check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Midlands Region Phillip...

Chinese Fringetree Puts on a Show in the Spring

Apr 29, 2024 | In the Garden

Many of you may be familiar with our native fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, often called Grancy graybeard, granddaddy graybeard or old man’s beard. It is a wonderful small tree that grows...

Bluestar

Apr 25, 2024 | In the Garden

Bluestars are in the genus Amsonia. There are at least twenty-two known species, and most are native to the Eastern United States. All are in the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, so named because the...