Coastal Region – Glen Payne
- Pitcher plants in the Lowcountry of South Carolina are hard at work. The yellow pitcher plant, Sarracenia flava, is a carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United States. Sometimes found in Carolina bays amongst the pine savannas in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The yellow pitcher plant is one of the tallest pitcher plants living in wet or frequently flooded areas with standing water. It stays alive and thrives by eating insects all summer long. In June, the yellow pitcher plant finishes setting flowers and is hungry to get to work.
- Managing the irrigation system should be an ongoing chore this time of year. Make sure to check that the rain sensor is tested so the system automatically turns OFF when the preselected depth of water is reached in the rain sensor to help keep plants and grass from being overwatering. Remember that 1” of water per week is the rule of thumb.
- Weed growth from overwatering can cause some winter weeds to keep hanging around in shady areas. Temperatures at night consistently heating up will cause soil temperatures to rise, and summer weeds will keep growing right where they are least welcomed as winter weeds fade away.
- Plants & vegetables being overwatered at this time of year may begin to show signs of fungal pathogens appearing on flowers and leaves and affecting root systems. Record in a logbook which family of fungicides are being applied for control and rotate them to decrease the chance of resistance as the growing season continues.
- Pruning of azaleas and other Spring flowering plants should be nearing completion as the end of June approaches. Make sure to remove any crisscrossed branches and deadwood to prevent possible health issues later in the year.
- The yellow pitcher plant, Sarracenia flava is a carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United States.
Glen Payne, ©2024 Clemson Extension
Midlands Region – Jackie Jordan
The most important thing you can do in your garden is spend time observing your plants. This will help you to be proactive and prevent problems from becoming detrimental.
- Harvest vegetables regularly to keep plants productive.
- Hand-pull weeds, cultivate, and mulch vegetable gardens. Weeds related to vegetable plants can harbor insect pest and diseases that can spread to your garden.
- Mulch tomatoes will aid in keeping soil evenly moist and help to control blossom end rot and growth cracks
- Scout for both beneficial and pest insects. Learn to identify beneficial Usually, predatory insects are solitary, and pest insects like aphids travel in groups.
- Look out for squash bugs and squash vine borers on zucchini and squash plants.
- Scout for caterpillars on tomatoes and flea beetles on eggplant and pepper
- Hand-pick harmful pests and use less toxic pesticides in the garden to protect beneficial insects.
- If the fruit is misshapen, then attract more pollinators by adding cosmos, zinnias or cleome flowers.
- Scout for spots on the leaves of your vegetable plants. Remove leaves with spots and place them in the trash.
- Deadhead annual flowers like geraniums to keep blooms coming.
- Hanging baskets and containers may need to be fertilized, especially if the foliage is a lighter yellow-green color.
- Raise mowing height on lawn to increase drought tolerance.
- Don’t forget to sharpen lawn mower blades. A clean cut helps to reduce disease incidence.
- Make sure trees and landscape beds have a 3-inch layer of mulch to limit weeds and help retain soil moisture.
Strawberries growing in a mixed planter on the patio.
Jackie Jordan, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region – Briana Naumuk
- Mow lawn to appropriate height for best performance.
- If you plan to use any chemicals on your lawn, remember that herbicides are less effective on drought-stressed lawns. So, make sure you are providing your lawn with adequate water.
- Prune spring flowering shrubs that bloom before July 1st, right after flowering.
- Scout for pests in your garden. Make sure to remove pests when you see them to prevent an outbreak.
- Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can be helpful in controlling insect outbreaks. Be sure to apply during cooler parts of the day.
- Look out for Japanese Beetles and remove them from the plant by spraying them with water into a soapy water bucket or just plucking them off and throwing them into soapy water.
- Cover your blueberries with bird netting to protect your harvest.
- Plant zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and dahlias to add color to your garden and use as cut flowers
- Deadhead and fertilize flowers to keep them looking good all summer long. Be sure to avoid contact with leaves to prevent fertilizer burn.
- Not all bugs are your enemy; you can use certain plants to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Dahlias make a great cut flower.
Briana Naumuk, ©2024, Clemson Extension
