Category: In the Garden

What Is It? Wednesday – Pineapple Guava Fruit

Nov 1, 2023 | In the Garden

Last week, I found this pineapple guava fruit growing on a bush in Charleston. Pineapple guava is an incredibly tasty fruit from an evergreen shrub native to South America. The shrub grows well...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 30, 2023

Oct 31, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes We are very dry in the Lowcountry and could really use a good rain to water strawberries in. There is no mention of rain in the 10-day forecast, unfortunately. We are...

Could Soil pH Be Limiting Your Garden’s Potential?

Oct 30, 2023 | In the Garden

Soil pH is an often-overlooked component of soil fertility. While nutrient deficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients can restrict plant growth, an out-of-range...

What Is It? Wednesday – Melonworm

Oct 25, 2023 | In the Garden

This hole was most likely made by a melonworm. A hole this size is actually an exit hole chewed by the worm on its way out to pupate. Before that, the worm was inside the bloom feeding on the...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 23, 2023

Oct 24, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes Strawberries were on everyone’s mind last week and again this week. We are in full swing of planting. To say I am underwhelmed at the plugs we have received is an...

Got Leaves?

Oct 23, 2023 | In the Garden

In the fall, I saddle up my white steed, which happens to be a 2007 hatchback, toss in several plastic trash bags and a short-handled rake, and become the Leaf Ranger. I drive through subdivisions...

Pink Turtlehead

Oct 19, 2023 | In the Garden

Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is a native fall-blooming perennial that grows best in organically rich soil in the sun to part shade. In its natural habitat, pink turtlehead is found in wet wooded...

What Is It? Wednesday- Fasciation

Oct 18, 2023 | In the Garden

This squash is showing abnormal growth, known as fasciation. Fasciation is the abnormal development of a meristem or growing point. The cause of this condition is not well understood but is most...

Glorious Goldenrod

Oct 16, 2023 | In the Garden

I love this time of year when the roadsides and gardens become full of gold. Goldenrod is everywhere! It brightens the landscape and lifts my mood. Goldenrod comes in all different shapes, sizes,...

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...