Category: In the Garden

Beneficial Yellow Garden Spiders

Jul 30, 2020 | In the Garden

The yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) is also known as a writing spider. Legend has it that if you disturb or damage the web, then the spider will write your name when it reweaves the web. One...

Caution Urged After Mystery Seed Mailings

Jul 28, 2020 | In the Garden

Tom Hallman, Public Service and Agriculture CLEMSON, S.C. – State agriculture officials are warning South Carolinians to be wary of unsolicited packages of seeds mailed to them. The South Carolina...

What’s on Tap? Well Water and Your Health

Jul 27, 2020 | In the Garden

Many of us turn to diet and lifestyle changes to improve our health, but for SC residents sourcing their drinking water from a private well, regular testing of well water can be just as important an...

Packsaddle Caterpillars

Jul 22, 2020 | In the Garden

Have you ever been stung by a packsaddle caterpillar? If so, it’s an experience you will never forget. A number of years ago, I had an unfortunate encounter with one while picking corn, and the...

Copperheads In South Carolina

Jul 20, 2020 | In the Garden

Copperhead snakes (Agkistrodon contortrix) are found throughout South Carolina and are one of the six venomous snake species, out of 38 total snake species, that our state has. The copperhead gets...

Protecting Water Quality with Vegetated Buffers

Jul 15, 2020 | In the Garden

These days, my phone keeps ringing about ponds clogged with aquatic weeds and algae. If your pond’s surface is more than 20% covered with weeds or algae, you should work with a pond management...

Nature Books for Children

Jul 13, 2020 | In the Garden

We are so lucky in 2020 since there are many, many fantastic nature books for children. A google search “nature books for children” produces several large lists of excellent books. However, in this...

Potter and Mason Wasps

Jul 9, 2020 | In the Garden

Sometimes we receive calls about wasps eating outdoor wooden furniture or even structures. While some wasps like paper wasps and yellowjackets will scrape wood with their strong mouthparts to make...

Citizen Science for Families

Jul 8, 2020 | In the Garden

Sharing nature is one of the most satisfying, rewarding, and free activities you can engage in as a family. Nature is available anytime, anywhere, and even the smallest plot of land can become a...

Rain Barrels: A Family or Housemates Activity

Jul 6, 2020 | In the Garden

During this unprecedented time of social distancing and stay at home orders, it is the perfect time to consider making something together with your family or housemates that have a purpose and...

Proper Disposal of Unwanted Medicine

Jun 29, 2020 | In the Garden

You can help keep your family and our waterways safe by properly disposing of unwanted or expired medications. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the proper...

Gardening Myths: Fix Blossom End Rot with Calcium Sprays

Jun 29, 2020 | In the Garden

Blossom end rot is a troubling disorder of tomatoes that affects home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Numerous foliar calcium sprays are available that claim to solve this problem, but are...