Category: In the Garden

A Lazy Gardener Introduces New Garden Friends

Jun 26, 2023 | In the Garden

When referencing my front yard’s native grass and wildflower planting, I irreverently and affectionately call it my weed patch. I’ll address the irreverent part in a later blog. This...

Giant Coneflower

Jun 22, 2023 | Flowers, In the Garden, Perennials

I love adding drama to a garden, especially choosing a plant that will stop you in your tracks with your mouth gaping open! One such plant is the giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima). It’s a...

What is It? Wednesday – Barklice

Jun 21, 2023 | In the Garden

These are barklice, AKA barkflies or booklice crawling on the bark of this crape myrtle tree. This species is probably Cerastipsocus venosus. Barklice are sometimes called “tree cattle” due to their...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – June 19, 2023

Jun 20, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes Warmer temperatures and lots of afternoon thunderstorms have really pushed our crops. Up until last week, this was the cleanest year I have seen in terms of disease issues...

Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas Project

Jun 19, 2023 | In the Garden

Did you know North America has over 4,000 native bees? They are a hugely diverse bunch, ranging from the large carpenter bee to the tiny fairy bee, and all are critical to pollination. Recently, I...

Spiders in the Garden, Oh My!

Jun 15, 2023 | Entomology, In the Garden

I don’t have to tell you that some people are terrified of spiders. I chalk it up to fear of the unknown. Like snakes, the best way to lose your fear is by learning about them and how to identify...

What Is It? Wednesday- Heat Stress in Broccoli

Jun 14, 2023 | In the Garden

The different sized beads and color variation in this broccoli head is known as “cat eye,” where clusters of small, lighter-colored beads are surrounded by larger, darker-colored beads. This is a...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – June 12, 2023

Jun 13, 2023 | In the Garden

Midlands Region Rob Last Generally, crops are developing well, be it a little slower than usual based on below-average temperatures. As we move further into June, we see increased temperatures,...

Calibrachoa

Jun 12, 2023 | Flowering, In the Garden

For vibrant color from spring to frost, plant Calibrachoa. In hanging baskets or pots, they trail over the sides and act as a “spiller” in combination plantings. Calibrachoas are native to South...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Termite bond + Formosan subterranean termites

Jun 8, 2023 | Entomology, In the Garden

“I’ve received a letter from my pest control company about my home’s termite bond for Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus. What do I do?” According to Dr. Eric Benson’s blog on...

What Is It? Wednesday – Spined Soldier Bugs

Jun 7, 2023 | Entomology, In the Garden

Eggs and nymphs of a predatory stink bug called the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) are on this strawberry leaf. These beneficial insects feed on over 100 pest species of insects and can...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- June 5, 2023

Jun 6, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo – Vegetable Entomologist Keep an eye out for armyworms in sweet corn, especially later plantings. As the season carries on, the risk of Fall armyworm, in particular, will...