Category: In the Garden

Scarlet Swamp Hibiscus

Aug 2, 2021 | In the Garden

Scarlet swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) is in the Malvacea family and is native to the Southeastern US. Hibiscus in Greek and Latin means mallow, and in Latin, coccineus means scarlet. Plant...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 26, 2021

Jul 30, 2021 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “We are in a summer weather pattern with warm, muggy days and occasional thunderstorms. Most crops have finished up or are in the process. Now is a great...

Meloidogyne enterolobii (M.e.) and the Challenge for Home Gardeners 

Jul 29, 2021 | In the Garden

Homeowners have had to combat root-knot nematodes for as long as home vegetable gardens have existed. Nematodes are microscopic worms in the soil in high numbers that can cause damage to susceptible...

What is it? Wednesday

Jul 28, 2021 | In the Garden

Decorative Crypsis Display by Synchlora spp. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) The ability to camouflage oneself and the level of that camouflage is often a matter of life and death for an insect. Adults...

Weed of the Month – Fragrant Kyllinga

Jul 26, 2021 | In the Garden

Fragrant Kyllinga (Kyllinga odorata) Fragrant kyllinga is mostly a summer annual but can be perennial with milder winters. It is a member of the Sedge (Cyperaceae) family. It can be distinguished...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 20, 2021

Jul 23, 2021 | In the Garden

Midlands Region Justin Ballew reports, “Not much has changed in the midlands over the last week. We’ve received some scattered rain, and it has been warm and humid. As a result, we are...

National Moth Week

Jul 22, 2021 | In the Garden

Did you know this week is National Moth Week? July 17 – 25, 2021, marks the tenth anniversary of National moth week. This program started in New Jersey but now has a global reach. The goal this year...

What is it? Wednesday- Eastern Cicada Killer

Jul 21, 2021 | In the Garden

Eastern Cicada Killer, (Sphecius speciosus) The appearance of Eastern cicada killer, Sphecius speciosus, indicates that we are in the throes of summer. Although menacing-looking due to their size...

Bradford Pear and Elaeagnus to be Banned from Sale in South Carolina: What Do I Need To Know?

Jul 20, 2021 | In the Garden

The recent news that all Pyrus calleryana cultivars – the most common of which is the Bradford pear – and several Elaeagnus species have been added to the “do not sell” list in South Carolina has...

The Cilantro-Coriander Connection

Jul 19, 2021 | In the Garden

Want to know how to get two distinct flavors from one plant? Well, the plant known as Coriandrum sativum can provide just that. C. sativum is commonly cultivated as a low growing, vegetative herb...

Eastern Hercules Beetles

Jul 15, 2021 | In the Garden

The eastern Hercules beetle is one of the largest and heaviest insects in the U.S. In South Carolina, there is only one Hercules beetle species, Dynastes tityus. These insects are a type of beetle...

What is it? Wednesday

Jul 14, 2021 | In the Garden

I liken the house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, to a swift-moving hairball. Due to their secretive behavior, dart and freeze movements, and what seems like an overabundance of legs, encounters...