We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and is able to enjoy a little time off with friends and family!
After some spring-like weather, temperatures are expected to cool down again this week. Fields are very dry right now, so growers need to ensure they are watering adequately. Insect and disease pressure is relatively low. See details below.
Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our winter/spring meetings. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below.
Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see this week’s Question of the Week, and check back on Thursday for the answer.
Coastal Region
Anna Sara Hill
- The weather warmed up nicely after the cold snap two weeks ago.
- Strawberry plants are putting on new growth.
- I have noticed several patches of healthy collard greens being harvested.
- Growers are busy clearing land, repairing roads, building dikes, digging new ditches, and laying irrigation pipes.
- One farm recently transplanted some new blueberry bushes that appear to be establishing nicely.
- Growing blueberries in pots under a hoop house for several months after obtaining them from the nursery provides the opportunity to observe if the plants have any diseases or problems before transplanting them into the field. It also gives the plants time to grow larger, healthier and more robust before they are transplanted.
A new block of blueberries was planted within the last month.
Anna Sara Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Zack Snipes
- We are dry in the Lowcountry.
- The cold weather and first frost didn’t hurt us all that badly a few weeks ago. It did finish off summer crops such as tomatoes, squash, and peppers. Most greens fared ok, with the exception of some plants on field margins that took the brunt of the wind. I’ve heard reports of more damage on greens more inland of the Sea Islands.
- I hosted the Southeast Citrus Expo this past weekend. We had over 150 folks from around the US attend the event in Ray City, Georgia. We had 3 attendees from Alaska…at a citrus expo!?!? We learned about commercial production in South Georgia, varieties, processing, and cold management during freeze events. We also had the opportunity to taste freeze-dried citrus, fresh-squeezed juice, and over 50 varieties from Madison Citrus Nursery.
The citrus tasting was a bit of a hit at the expo.
Zack Snipes, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Rob Last
- As we move into the holiday weekend, we are forecast to see dropping temperatures and a chance of some welcome rain.
- Strawberries are pushing well with few issues apparent. Yes, crops are delayed; however, let’s see how December progresses to decide if covers to promote growth are going to be warranted.
- Leafy greens across the board look great with good volumes coming to market. Any purpling due to the last cold snap has reduced. Pest and disease activity remain low.
Kale is developing well in the Midlands.
Rob Last, ©2025, Clemson Extension
