American Holly
While the Christmas tree takes the front-and-center stage during this holiday season, supported by a cast of poinsettias, cyclamens, kalanchoes, Christmas cactuses, and amaryllises, hollies often...
Category: In the Garden
Should I Water My Plants in the Winter?
It should go without saying that water is vital for plant survival. Plants use water for photosynthesis, transporting water-soluble nutrients, and maintaining turgidity. Turgidity is the water...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – December 6, 2021
Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Pest and disease activity in the area remain low with overall good development of crops. Strawberries continue to develop well with very few issues. Given the...
Watering Warm-Season Lawns During Winter
Most years, South Carolina receives several inches of rain during the fall and winter. This year, however, we have been on the dry side. We have also been having warmer than average days, and your...
Celebrate the Trees That Make Your World Better
Arbor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the trees that make your world better! While National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, the first Friday in December (December 3, 2021) is South...
Choosing A Peach Variety for the Backyard
The peach is an iconic fruit in the southeastern United States, and many backyard gardeners consider a peach tree to be a good addition to their gardens. Planting season is upon us. Peach trees...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – November 29, 2021
Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, pest and disease pressure have reduced in response to cooler dryer conditions. Keep an eye on soil moisture and continue to regularly scout crops.”...
Cold Tolerance in Citrus
The main limiting factor for growing citrus is the lack of significant cold tolerance. The ideal temperature range for citrus is between 60- and 90-degrees F, though depending on the species and...
Holiday Decorating with Orange Pomanders
Start a new holiday tradition with your family this year by making orange pomander balls. They can be hung on your Christmas tree as ornaments, attached to garlands, or used in a holiday centerpiece...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – November 22, 2021
Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Crops are continuing to develop well with few insect or disease problems. The disease pressure may increase given the welcome rainfall forecast today. Please...
Mother Maple
When we purchased our farm in 1977, one of the first plants my husband gave me was a small 1-gallon, knee-high, Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) that was about as big around as a pencil. This little...
Rutabagas And Turnips: What’s The Difference?
Fall is the time for root vegetables like turnips and rutabagas. My grandfather (Pop) loved both, especially rutabagas, and my grandmother (Nan) prepared them specifically for him. At the time, I...