August 2025 – The South Carolina Grower
7 posts published by Justin Ballew during August 2025| The South Carolina Grower
7 posts published by Justin Ballew during August 2025| The South Carolina Grower
Why did this watermelon get so sunburned? This is no sunburn. It’s a watermelon with a yellow rind! At the recent Watermelon Field Day, we had the opportunity to look at and taste many new and existing lines of watermelons in the field. This one yellow-rind watermelon named Tropical Apollo caught my attention. At first […]| The South Carolina Grower
Though more rain fell last week, warm temperatures returned. Fall planting continues and establishment is going well. Disease pressure remains high as regular rain continues. 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 […]| The South Carolina Grower
From Kevin Burkett, Clemson Agribusiness Associate Vine-ripe juicy tomatoes are always a summertime favorite and one that can even cause a bit of competition. This can range from seeing who can grow the largest, who has the best variety, how oddly shaped one may appear, and of course which one makes the best tomato sandwich. […]| The South Carolina Grower
Where is Briana visiting this week? For this month’s Grower Spotlight, Briana is visiting a farm in the Upstate. The Happy Berry is nestled in the hills of Six Mile. The farm was started in 1979 with the goal of providing locally grown produce, while keeping the environment in mind. Walker Miller is the man […]| The South Carolina Grower
Rain and cooler temperatures continued for most of the week. As a result, disease pressure is high right now, so be sure to stay on top of management programs. The invasive two-spot cotton leafhopp…| The South Carolina Grower
What type of bird made its nest in this blackberry bush? This nest, and blue eggs with brown speckles, are that of the Northern mockingbird. Northern mockingbirds are the state birds of Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Their breeding range stretches from Southeast Canada, south to the Greater Antilles, and west to California. The species is […]| The South Carolina Grower
Temperatures have cooled down nicely and rain is plentiful. Planting for fall crops continues around the state. The weather is perfect for disease development including downy mildew, Southern blight, and anthracnose. 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 South Carolina Grower
What is going on with this cucumber? The hole and gelatinous material are clear evidence that the cucumber was recently attacked by a pickleworm. Pickleworms are caterpillars and the larva of pickleworm moths (Diaphania nitidalis). They feed on the flower buds and fruits of cucurbit crops including cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and melons. The young caterpillars […]| The South Carolina Grower
South Carolina specialty crop stats from the 2024 season are now available on the Clemson Extension FarmGate page. Crop data collected in 2024 includes apples, bell peppers, cabbage, cut flowers, Irish potatoes, kale muscadines, okra, pecans, pumpkins and winter squash, specialty peppers, sweetpotatoes, turnips, and yellow squash. Here is a glance at the top specialty […]| The South Carolina Grower
Well, its hot. Parts of the state received rain this past week, while others have been dry for most of the month. Some growers are applying kaolin products to reduce sunscald on developing fruit. Fall crops are beginning to go into the ground. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically […]| The South Carolina Grower
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath Extension agents have recently received some questions from growers about reusing plastic from a spring watermelon crop for a fall watermelon crop. This …| The South Carolina Grower
8 posts published by Justin Ballew during July 2025| The South Carolina Grower
After some rain and wind in the Pee Dee from Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday, the week is off to a hot start. Watermelons, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are being harvested. Disease and insect …| The South Carolina Grower
9 posts published by Justin Ballew during June 2025| The South Carolina Grower
Disease has begun to set in across the state as lots of crops come to harvest. More rain is in the forecast for this week, so now is the time to make sure you are current on your disease programs. …| The South Carolina Grower
Virtual Private Pesticide Applicator Certification – Available On Demand – REGISTER HERE March 2025 3/5 – Upstate Apple Meeting -Details and Registration Coming Soon 3/7 – P…| The South Carolina Grower
Handbooks and IPM Guides Vegetables Peach, Nectarine, & Plum Apples Click Here for Southeastern Small Fruit IPM and Production Guides Clemson Resources Check Pesticide CreditsCenter Pivot Irrig…| The South Carolina Grower
Join Clemson Extension Horticulture Agents for The SC Grower Exchange podcast about what is going on in the fruit and vegetable fields around South Carolina. Agents will discuss crops, weather, ins…| The South Carolina Grower
