Selecting Appropriate Pest Management Strategies
Spring is coming, and with it comes weeds, bugs, and diseases, oh my! Many home gardeners often get frustrated about what to do for various garden pests. Whether it is a weed, insect, or disease,...
Category: In the Garden
Apple Pruning
Now is the time to tame those apple trees with some dormant pruning. Apple trees have already set buds for the upcoming growing season and are in need of a little haircut for optimum fruit set and...
What is it? Wednesday
Milesia virginiensis (Diptera: Syrphidae) Milesia virginiensis does not have an ESA (Entomological Society of America) approved common name. Colloquially, this fly is known as a “yellowjacket...
Weed of the Month – Annual Bluegrass
That bright green, grassy weed in your lawn this month could be annual bluegrass. It is a cool-season, annual weed that grows in moist and compacted soils and even in shady locations. It is a...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – January 25, 2021
Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Strawberry crops in the area are looking good with good crown development. We are seeing open flowers and some fruit set based on warmer conditions. These...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report January 19, 2021
Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “Burndown herbicide efficacy can be reduced in colder weather, especially systemic products such as glyphosate (Reduced translocation in the cold means...
Are Those Old Vegetable Seed Still Good?
Many gardeners have a collection of seed packets that contain seeds that didn’t make it into the garden in years past. Before purchasing more seed, check the stock of any seed still on hand from...
The Hyporheic Zone and Streams
You may not have heard of the hyporheic zone (HZ) or be able to see it, but it’s an integral part of our freshwater ecosystems and has a lot to do with keeping our streams healthy! The HZ is a...
Is It A Decoration? Is It Food? The Many Uses and Types of Fall and Winter Squash
I don’t know about you, but I love a product that can be used in a variety of ways and has staying power, especially in the home and kitchen. I recently discovered fall/winter squash and the...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report January 11, 2021
Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Vegetable crops are growing out of the impacts of frost well. There is active Alternaria in places on brassica crops. Insect activity in vegetable crops in...
What is it? Wednesday
Spottedwinged antlion, Dendroleon obsoletus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) The genus, Dendroleon, means “tree lion” and references larval habitat. Instead of digging pits in the dirt to...
Cover Crops
Cover crops, also known as green manures, are used by gardeners to add organic matter, protect the soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil. Gardeners typically plant legume...