Category: In the Garden

What Is It? Wednesday- White Peach Scale

Mar 1, 2023 | In the Garden

This is an infestation of white peach scale. White peach scale isn’t terribly common to find, and when you do see it, it is usually concentrated on just a few trees within a much larger block. We...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report– February 27, 2023

Feb 28, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “After a warm week in the Lowcountry, we received some welcome showers. The rainfall will aid in cultivating and bed formation for spring crops. Beds should be...

A Lazy Gardener Loves the Garden

Feb 23, 2023 | In the Garden

While many think of vegetables when using the word garden, the basic definition of a garden, as a plot of soil in which plants are grown, is widely inclusive. Gardeners are passionate about native...

What is It? Wednesday – Yellowmargin Leaf Beetle and Vegetable Weevil damage

Feb 22, 2023 | In the Garden

This Napa cabbage is being fed on by larvae of both the yellow margined leaf beetle (YMLB, Microtheca ochroloma) and vegetable weevil (Listroderes difficilis). YMLB can be a significant pest for...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – February 20, 2023

Feb 21, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “If you’re growing strawberries in the warmest parts of the state and you haven’t been checking and/or spraying your fields for spider mites, you’re going to want to....

WANTED: Elaeagnus – Dead, Not Alive

Feb 20, 2023 | In the Garden

While walking in the South Carolina Botanical Garden, I came across a substantial pile of Elaeagnus recently cut from our woods. My eye was caught by the silvery underside of the leaves flashing in...

Rabbit’s Foot Fern

Feb 16, 2023 | In the Garden

Rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia solida var. fejeensis) is a favorite of mine and one of the easiest tropical houseplant ferns to grow. Native to Fiji, the genus name, Davallia, was derived in honor of...

What Is It? Wednesday – Collard Damage

Feb 15, 2023 | In the Garden

I routinely scout the collards in my yard for insect pests and enjoy watching wasps parasitize worms and aphids. I walked out the other day and thought the wasps must be taking a break from...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – February 13, 2023

Feb 14, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “When scouting strawberry fields for spider mites, also keep an eye out for naturally occurring predatory mites, such as the [potentially] highly effective specialist...

Time for Taters

Feb 13, 2023 | In the Garden

Between now and the end of March is a great time to plant potatoes. If you ask, “why should I plant potatoes” then obviously, you have never eaten a potato that was dug from the ground the day you...

Getting Your Mind Right for Gardening Season

Feb 9, 2023 | In the Garden

Winter weather and rising food prices can make folks eager to get started in their gardens. Some gardeners even want to rush to “correct” last year’s mistakes. Great coaches in sports often talk...

What Is It? Wednesday – Phytophthora Crown Rot

Feb 8, 2023 | In the Garden

This dark reddish/brown discoloration in the crown is a typical symptom of Phytophthora crown rot. The first observable signs of this disease include wilting and browning of the leaves in the field....