Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “We got some needed rain, but we got a lot of it in a short amount of time. Winter peas and spring-planted brassicas are looking good. Tomato and squash are in the ground on some farms, but because of the cooler weather and soil temperatures, they haven’t really taken off yet. I see a lot of brassica fields leftover from the fall. These fields are harboring all of our insects and diseases that we will have to fight this coming season. Mow these fields down and turn them under. Do not leave them. I am seeing lots and lots of diamondback moths and black rot in these leftover fields. Some more sad news this week from the Lowcountry as Mr. Adair McKoy, Sr. passed away this past week. Mr. McKoy was full of wisdom and had years and years of practical farming knowledge that he loved sharing with others. Never did I visit him when I didn’t learn something new. His love and care for the land was truly inspirational.”
Leftover collards from the fall that need to be mowed and tilled in.
Zack Snipes, ©2021, Clemson Extension
A diamond back moth, one of thousands, I found in the leftover collard field.
Zack Snipes, ©2021, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Justin Ballew reports, “We had some cooler, wetter weather last week that slowed things down a bit in the fields. Several brassica fields that were planted in the fall and grew through the winter are right on the verge of bolting. If harvest is finished in these fields, they need to be bush hogged and disked in as soon as possible to keep diamondback moths and any other caterpillars from breeding and making their way into spring-planted fields. Strawberries are still coming along. There are lots of green fruit, and a few are ripening here and there. I heard of the first few being picked in Lexington County last week. The weather conditions this week are going to be perfect again for Botrytis spore development, so don’t let up on spray programs.”
Fall planted mustard is just starting to send up flower heads.
Justin Ballew, ©2021, Clemson Extension
Lots of developing fruit on strawberries.
Justin Ballew, ©2021, Clemson Extension
