LATEST POSTS
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South Carolina Field Update (November 9, 2026): Say Goodbye to Warm-Season Crops
The weather will cool down to near freezing in some areas towards the end of the week. We’re likely looking at the end of the warm-season crops. Fall crops are looking great with less insect and disease pressure than we’re used to. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Freezing temps may occur late this week…
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Question of the Week – Strawberry Planting/Picking Machine
What is this homemade machine used for? This machine was built to aid in strawberry planting and picking. The driver lies on their stomach and operates it with a switch to move forward and a hand brake to stop. This allows the driver to creep down the row to pick or plant strawberries without bending…
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Managing Spider Mites in Fall Strawberry Fields
By Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist As part of a new SCDA block grant-funded project investigating the nature of spider mite pest problems in strawberries, I have been visiting strawberry farms to sample spider mites on transplant plugs and cutoffs in fields as they emerge with their first leaves. One goal of the project is to…
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South Carolina Field Update (November 2, 2026): Fall Weather Slows Warm-Season Crops
Strawberry planting has largely wrapped up, and some day-neutral varieties are beginning to set fruit. The recent cooler weather has slowed down some of our fall crops. There is a chance of rain in the forecast, and we desperately need it. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Strawberry planting is wrapping up – Continue overhead…
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Question of the Week – Painted Lady
Which species of butterfly is this? This is the painted lady (Vanessa cardui). The painted lady is the most widespread butterfly in the world, found across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Adults migrate long distances each year, beginning from tropical regions in the spring and heading north. The caterpillars feed on over 100 different…
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South Carolina Field Update (October 26, 2026): Strawberry Planting Continues
Strawberry planting continued last week and should start to wrap up this week. The weather so far has been great for planting, though growers should be cautious about plants drying out since we don’t have much moisture in the forecast. Other fall crops are looking great. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Strawberry planting continues…
