Aster Yellows
Recently, the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) has been receiving photos of coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) that are malformed and green. The plants are infected with aster yellows, a...
Tag: Blogs
Question of the Week – Planthopper
What left the fluffy, white deposit on this zinnia stem? This fluffy material was left by a flatid planthopper. Flatid planthoppers feed on a variety of ornamental plants. The ¼” long adults appear...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 22, 2024
Scattered rain fell over the weekend. Peppers and okra are coming as the watermelon harvest finishes up. Disease and insect pressure remains high, and planning for strawberry planting is beginning....
July 22 Week 4 Garden Photos
“Then followed that beautiful season…Summer…Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~ Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)...
Question of the Week – Spider Mites
What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf? This damage was caused by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urica). While spider mites are often included in discussions of insect management,...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report–July 15, 2024
A few areas received rain over the last week, contributing to increases in disease and fruit split. Sunscald and blossom end rot are becoming common, and insect pressure remains high. See details...
July 15 Week 3 Garden Photos
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” ~May Sarton~ American...
UV Safety Month: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun
It’s summertime! And while this means long, warm, and sunny days, it can also mean more sun exposure for our skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the most common cancer in the United...
Skewering the Globe: Celebrating World Kabob Day with Flavor and Safety
World Kabob Day is a culinary celebration that unites food enthusiasts around the globe. It’s a day dedicated to the rich, diverse flavors of kabobs, a dish that transcends cultures and brings...
Question of the Week – TSWV
What is going on with this Roma tomato? The tie-dye appearance of this tomato is due to it being infected by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV is an important virus of tomato, pepper, eggplant,...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 8, 2024
Scattered rain this past weekend brought some much needed relief to parts of the state. Insect pressure remains high in some places, and disease pressure is climbing. Harvest of several summer crops...
Hummingbird Favorite: Pentas
Every spring, I visit local garden centers, searching for colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds. I like to combine these flowers in containers and place them where I can watch hummingbirds...