Most of the state received a little more rain this past week. Strawberries are looking good, though there are some scattered disease issues. Fall brassicas are looking great and are being harvested now. See details below.
Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast.
Coastal Region
- The weather is turning cooler, with nights down in the 40s and daytime temps in the high 60s and low 70s. After a dry October, Bamberg, Barnwell, Allendale and parts of Hampton were caught off guard by torrential downpours on November 6th and 7th, which left some areas near the river flooded with many road closers. On average, there was about 8 inches of rain over a 24–36-hour period.
- Due to the rain event, some growers were not able to get into their fields until this week. Despite the excessive rain, plants are growing well and look good. The only notable problem I saw was weeds that were thriving after the rain.
- Strawberries, carrots, and onions are all growing nicely. However, watch for disease and treat plants with protectants.
- Keep an eye out for whiteflies. One grower commented that he has been plagued by them this fall. Although the weather is cooler, it hasn’t been cold enough yet to completely kill them all off, as it is still warming up some afternoons, so don’t let your guard down until we get a frost.
- Lettuce, kale, and collards are being harvested and taken to market.
- Citrus is ripening nicely, although the sugar content needs to be a little higher.
- Sweetpotato harvest is ending.
Red Russian and Bib Lettuce are almost ready for harvest.
Anna Sara Hill, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Sarah Scott
- Strawberries are looking good and establishing well. As plants grow larger, foliage is cleaning up nicely.
- Broccoli harvest has mostly finished up, and cabbages and collards are coming off in good volume. We have some diamondback pressure, but it is not as high as in years past. Cross-striped cabbage worms are still what I’m seeing in higher quantities.
- Whiteflies are prevalent in fields as well. I am seeing these in brassicas and fields with salad greens like lettuce and arugula. There is no notable damage, but it is something to take note of. If sooty mold begins to become an issue, horticultural oil or neem can be used to reduce populations.
Cabbage is coming in with good yields.
Sarah Scott, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Pee Dee Region
- We are still dry here in the Pee Dee. Leafy greens are progressing well in the cooler weather, and harvest is going smoothly.
- Day-neutral strawberry varieties like San Andreas are starting to be harvested. I am seeing high numbers of spider mite eggs, so now is the time to apply a miticide targeting multiple life stages like Nealta or Kanemite.
- Spring berries are progressing well overall. We’ve got Neopest and Phytophthora root rot, both confirmed by the lab. Since we have been drier than last year, I hope the root rot issues will not progress as quickly. The next couple of months will be a critical time for crown and, ultimately, flower development, so ensure that frost protection measures are in place and keep an eye on the weather.
San Andreas variety is at the beginning of harvest.
Brittney King, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region
Briana Naumuk
- Fall is officially here in the Upstate.
- Apple growers are selling what is left of their harvest this year and will be closing roadside stands soon. Some growers are battling an outbreak of San Jose scale on their apples. Dormant oil applications can help reduce the population for the following year.
- We have begun to get some consistently cooler nights, which has slowed growth. Temperatures are expected to drop over the next week, with much-needed rain forecasted for this Tuesday and Wednesday. Oconee and Pickens are both abnormally dry, and parts of western Oconee are experiencing moderate drought. Be sure to irrigate any fall crops.
