This month’s Grower Spotlight takes Extension agent Phillip Carnley to J. Mac Produce in Gable, South Carolina. Owner Johnny McNair showcases his signature butter bean operation—‘Jackson Wonder’, ‘Thorogreen’, and more—alongside peas, sweet corn, and okra, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the farm’s shelling and packing line.
Frequent rain is creating disease concerns across South Carolina as summer harvest ramps up. Get region-specific updates on crop conditions, pests, and disease control strategies in this week’s field report.
Using pesticides without reading the label can waste time, harm plants, and pose safety risks. This blog explains how to correctly identify pest problems, apply products safely, and follow label instructions to protect your garden, yourself, and the environment.
Plan a visit to the beautiful North Carolina Arboretum. It is located just south of Asheville in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It was established in stages in the late 1980s and...
Confused by terms like variety, cultivar, hybrid, or PVP? This blog breaks down how plants are identified and named, and what legal protections like patents and trademarks really mean for growers, breeders, and gardeners.
A swollen, distorted blackberry shoot may be the result of a stem gall caused by the blackberry gall midge. These galls form when larvae burrow into the stem, triggering abnormal growth. Learn how to identify this pest, understand its life cycle, and take steps to manage damage in your blackberry patch.
Last week’s storms left SC fields soggy, boosting foliar diseases and root rots just as heavy watermelon and tomato harvests roll in. Growers are rotating fungicides, battling bacterial spot, leaf-footed bugs, stink bugs, and blossom-end rot while blueberries, muscadines, and late strawberries progress. Regional agents share detailed crop conditions and control tips.
Dining out should be enjoyable and safe. Learn how to evaluate restaurants for food safety by checking inspection scores, staff certifications, cleanliness, and more. These practical tips will help you make informed choices and avoid foodborne illness when eating out.
“And then, one fairy night, May became June.” ~F. Scott Fitzgerald~ Giant Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension White Pixels Asiatic Lily (Lilium...
Coastal Region – Brad Fowler Blossom end rot can be a major problem throughout the summer for tomatoes and squash. Provide adequate and consistent moisture to help mitigate the issue. Summer...
Brighten up shady garden spaces with astilbe. This guide covers everything from selecting cultivars to watering, pruning, and managing pests and diseases.
Rainy weather is contributing to rising disease pressure as blueberries, blackberries, peaches, cucurbits, and potatoes hit peak harvest. Learn what’s being seen across each region of South Carolina, and get fungicide and scouting recommendations to protect your crops. Don’t miss this week’s episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast for more timely tips.
