Category: In the Garden

The Beech Blight Aphid Nymphs

Oct 12, 2023 | In the Garden

The white, cottony masses covering the small branches on this American beech tree, Fagus grandifolia, are beech blight aphid nymphs. The nymph’s abdomen is covered with a white, cottony mass of waxy...

What Is It? Wednesday – Whitefly Damage

Oct 11, 2023 | In the Garden

The light-colored discoloration on these zucchini plant leaves is known as Squash Silverleaf Disorder (SSL) and is the result of immature whiteflies feeding on the squash leaves. SSL reduces the...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- October 9, 2023

Oct 10, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes A bit chilly this morning, with the temperature at 50 °F. The dry weather in October has really prevented the spread of black rot in brassicas. I am seeing a good bit of...

Blue Mistflower

Oct 9, 2023 | In the Garden

Every fall, I look forward to the flowers of Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) blooming next to the creek that runs through my neighborhood. The blue flowers resemble the annual flower,...

Hummingbird Favorite: Turk’s Cap

Oct 5, 2023 | In the Garden

Finding a plant that attracts hummingbirds, blooms until frost, and grows well in shade can be challenging. Turk’s Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii, fits that bill. Turk’s Cap is native to...

What Is It? Wednesday – Luffa

Oct 4, 2023 | In the Garden

This odd brown thing is a luffa gourd. Contrary to popular belief, luffa is a plant in the cucurbit family and not a sea sponge. This plant is very vigorous and prolific and does extremely well in...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 2, 2023

Oct 3, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes I’m scared to mention the word “fall,” but lately, it’s felt a little like…fall. I hope we planted enough pumpkins for all the pumpkin spice lattes...

What Is It? Wednesday – Virus on Squash

Sep 27, 2023 | In the Garden

This squash is showing symptoms of a virus. There are numerous viruses that affect cucurbit crops, which may be transmitted in various ways, such as by insects (aphids, whiteflies, cucumber...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- September 25, 2023

Sep 26, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes We’ve had a great week of fall-ish weather for crops. Okra is still coming in at good volumes. Brassicas are in varying stages right now. I have seen some weird disease...

Ironweed

Sep 25, 2023 | In the Garden

Fall has arrived in South Carolina! Native fall-blooming wildflowers, with their flower colors of intense purple, yellow, orange, and white hues, brighten up the autumn landscape. One of my...

Gardening For Warblers

Sep 21, 2023 | In the Garden

Fall bird migration is in full swing in South Carolina. As our temperatures cool and the days get shorter, many birds start preparing to move south. Many warblers pass through the South Carolina...

What Is It? Wednesday – Snake Bean Flower

Sep 20, 2023 | In the Garden

This hairy-looking flower will develop into a snake bean flower. I recently visited a community garden and was stumped when the groundskeeper asked me if I knew what plant this crazy-looking flower...