Category: In the Garden

Brighten the holiday season with the giftable amaryllis, a stunning indoor plant known for its vibrant blooms and ease of care. Perfect as a hostess gift or cheerful decoration, amaryllis brings joy and greenery to any home.

Focus on healthy aging by prioritizing regular exercise, maintaining strong social connections, eating a balanced diet, and supporting your mental well-being. By adopting these habits, you can make your senior years some of your healthiest yet.

Pecans, native to North America, have a rich history rooted in Native American traditions and early American agriculture. Discover tidbits about George Washington’s love for pecans, the first successful grafting by a “Master of Plants,” and the rise of iconic pecan dishes like Southern pecan pie. Celebrate the season with a nut that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.

The camellias are blooming at the South Carolina Botanical Garden, showcasing a tapestry of color from fall to late spring. Discover the fascinating history of camellias, their care requirements, and their enduring legacy in Southern gardens.

Lacewing larvae, nicknamed “trash bugs,” are agile predators that disguise themselves with debris for protection and camouflage. These voracious hunters target soft-bodied pests like aphids and mealybugs, making them valuable allies in integrated pest management.

Drying oranges for holiday decorations is a timeless tradition that brings natural beauty and warmth to your home. Learn how to create festive citrus accents for wreaths, garlands, and gifts, and enjoy the nostalgic aroma of the holiday season. Perfect for family fun and sustainable decor!

Blake Brown showcases a massive pomelo (Citrus maxima) at the 2024 Southeast Citrus Expo, sparking interest with its size and sweet, floral flavor. As an ancestor of modern grapefruit, the pomelo offers a non-bitter alternative for citrus lovers. Learn more about this cold-hardy fruit and its potential for South Carolina gardens.

The December 2, 2024, Fruit and Vegetable Field Report highlights how South Carolina growers are managing winter conditions. Fall brassicas are thriving, while strawberries face mixed results across regions. Coastal and inland updates address strategies for pest control, frost protection, and crop development heading into 2025.

December brings unique gardening opportunities across South Carolina! Discover tips for winter lawn care, planting spring bulbs, and managing cool-season vegetables. Explore festive indoor plants like poinsettias, amaryllis, and holiday cacti, and learn how to make the most of your winter landscape with vibrant pansies, ornamental kale, and more. Whether you’re in the Coastal, Midlands, or Upstate regions, this guide has everything you need for a productive and festive gardening season.

Are pumpkins fruits or vegetables? While often treated as vegetables in cooking, pumpkins are botanically classified as fruits. Learn more about the uses of pumpkins, from pies to fall decor, and find out when to plant them for a bountiful harvest in your region.

This caterpillar is falling prey to the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris), a beneficial stink bug species that hunts over 90 pest insects, such as caterpillars and beetles. Recognizable by their pointed shoulders and black wing spot, spined soldier bugs play a vital role in pest control. Learn how to identify them and distinguish them from plant-feeding stink bugs.

The November 25, 2024, SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report highlights favorable weather for fall crops, with greens thriving for Thanksgiving. While pest and disease issues remain minimal, strawberries show variable development heading into winter. Learn about brassica research updates, field day insights, and pest control tips, plus catch the latest SC Grower Exchange Podcast.