Coastal Region
Zack Snipes
- The dog days of summer are here, and it shows. Many growers are either taking a break to beat the heat or are in a transition period.
- Fall crops are being put in the ground right now (tomato, pepper, melons), while summer crops are still hanging on (eggplant, okra, hot peppers).
- Muscadines will be coming to market this week.
- Some growers are growing cover crops to build the soil for next season. With the heat and frequency of rain, these cover crops look amazing. I was in a beautiful field of cowpeas last week. I checked the root nodules for the presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria and was impressed at what I saw.
A lush field of cowpeas can suppress weeds add nitrogen, and increase organic matter in the soil.
Zack Snipes, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Cowpea root nodules cut open look pink, like a medium-rare steak. These nodules are colonies of nitrogen fixing bacteria.
Zack Snipes, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Rob Last
- Crops in the area look good, with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, and squash all coming to market with good quality.
- As we approach the fall planting time, here are just a few points to consider:
- Take the time to correct soil pH and get the fertilization program right.
- Utilizing non-selective herbicides can be advantageous to remove emerged weeds, taking the pressure off the selective in-crop materials.
- When forming beds, and laying plastic, keep an eye on soil moisture to create a firm bed. Firm beds will aid in making the management of the crops easier. Water use, fertigation, and herbicide efficiency can all be improved in a firm bed. A good rule of thumb is a 150 lb man should leave an indent of 0.5”.
- Consider a pre-emergence herbicide to help with weed management.
Tomatoes are establishing well in the Midlands.
Rob Last, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Pee Dee Region
Bruce McLean
- Last week’s cool off (however brief) was a nice respite, but the heat is back. The forecast for the foreseeable future looks like it will be a continuation of heat, humidity, possible rain, and repeat.
- Okra and hot peppers are coming off in good quantity and quality. This should continue with the weather forecasted.
- Tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and cucumbers had slowed a bit but seemed to be picking back up.
- Sweetpotatoes are growing very well, with little problems. It is shaping up to be a very good year for the crop.
- Fall vegetable planting is underway.
- Some lingering late rabbiteye blueberries are still coming off, but volumes are very limited. The blueberry crop is largely completed for the year.
- Some limited late summer/fall primocane blackberries are becoming available. Quality looks to be good for the upcoming harvest.
- Late peaches are still coming in. Volume and quality are good, but the season is quickly winding down.
- Fresh market muscadines are just coming into harvest. Sugargate and Tara are starting to pick. Wine and juice muscadines are still a few weeks away. Noble is at about 5-7% color. Carlos, Welder, and Doreen are yet to have any significant color.
Bacterial soft rot on onion likely the result of mechanical damage during harvest.
Bruce McLean, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Stem tear on Sugargate muscadine. Stem tear and wet scar are the two biggest challenges to post-harvest handling of muscadines. This is where mold typically begins. If you pack and sell muscadines, be sure to choose varieties that have a high percentage of dry stem and low tendency for stem tears.
Bruce McLean, ©2023, Clemson Extension
