Category: In the Garden

“SC crops break dormancy—pests, weather & tips inside!”

Native oaks support wildlife, control erosion, and help landscapes recover after storms. Learn how replanting these trees can restore our environment.

Regularly cleaning bird feeders helps prevent mold and disease. Learn how often to wash seed and hummingbird feeders and the best methods to keep them safe.

In this week’s SC Fruit & Veg Report: Frost prep for strawberries, neopest challenges, pest management tips, and updates from Coastal, Midlands & Pee Dee regions.

Learn how Hügelkultur gardening mimics nature’s soil-building process, creating self-sustaining, nutrient-rich garden beds that improve drainage, aeration, and moisture retention.

Warm weather is pushing crop growth, but spider mites are appearing in strawberries across SC. Read the latest field updates, pest alerts, and management tips.

Peperomia houseplants (Peperomia spp.) are loved for their vibrant foliage and easy care. Available in compact, bushy, or trailing forms, they thrive in containers, terrariums, or hanging baskets. With over 1,000 species, Peperomia offers stunning varieties such as the watermelon peperomia, raindrop peperomia, and string of turtles. Learn about their care, lighting needs, watering tips, and the best ways to keep them thriving indoors.

As winter gives way to spring, February is a crucial month for garden care. From preventing cold damage in the Lowcountry of South Carolina to pruning trees in the Upstate, this guide offers region-specific tips to keep your garden healthy. Discover how to protect plants from frost, care for winter-damaged lawns, and prepare for a successful growing season ahead.

Noticing damage on your Lacinato kale leaves? This is likely cold damage, as Lacinato tends to be more sensitive than curly varieties like Winterbor. The good news is that new growth remains unaffected, and the plant will recover. Cold snaps following warm weather can stress leafy greens, but using row covers can help protect smaller plantings from temperature swings.

As temperatures warm up, SC growers are monitoring mite and disease risks following recent cold damage. Agents emphasize sanitizing brassica fields to prevent secondary infections and offer key strawberry care tips. Read the full SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – 2/3/25 for expert updates, upcoming grower events, and essential resources.

Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity? Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count this February 14-17! Watch birds, record your observations, and help scientists track bird populations. With tools like the eBird app, Merlin Bird ID, and field guides, birding has never been easier—or more rewarding. Happy birding!