After another week of warm weather, multiple nights are forecast to dip below freezing. This comes as strawberries and blueberries across the state are in full bloom, with strawberry harvest rapidly approaching. Other cool-season crops are progressing well. See details below.
Key Takeaways for Growers This Week
- Cold weather is coming – be ready to protect berries and blooms from frost
- Spider mites are present – scout carefully and select appropriate miticides
- Rain will increase disease activity – stay on fungicide schedules
- More grower meetings this week – check the Upcoming Events tab
Help Clemson Collect Local Pricing Data
Clemson University is seeking volunteers to collect price data at local farmers’ markets. This project helps support farmers, improve market transparency, and strengthen local food systems by tracking the prices of fruits, vegetables, and other products sold at markets.
Volunteers will visit markets and record prices using a simple form. There is a small stipend to compensate volunteers for their time. The information collected helps farmers, researchers, and markets better understand trends, support local agriculture, and improve programs that benefit both producers and consumers.
No special experience is required—just an interest in local food and a willingness to collect data at their local market. This is a great opportunity to support local farmers, contribute to important research, and engage with your community.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please complete the Market Price Report Interest Form here.
The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast is available now.
Lowcountry Report
Zack Snipes
- We had some intense winds across the region last week. I saw a video of a safety cone blowing across a strawberry field in Berkeley County. Some growers covered their berries overnight to protect them from the forecasted frost. It sometimes makes me wonder whether covering berries during very strong winds might cause more damage (plants getting beaten up by row covers) than simply losing a few blossoms to frost.
- Overall, strawberries look good, with small fruit developing and plenty of blooms behind them. Keep an eye out for spider mites, as they can multiply quickly this time of year. When selecting a miticide, make sure you understand how the product works and which life stages it controls. For example, some products kill all stages of the mite, including eggs, while others target only eggs and juveniles.
- Other crops are progressing quickly right now, with few issues to report.
Midlands Report
Rob Last
- Following some warmer weather and welcome rainfall, crops are really beginning to move.
- Strawberries are flowering, with good fruit set and some early-ripening berries.
- On the whole, disease and mite activity are low, but keep scouting and applying multisite fungicides or miticides where required.
- Blueberries are also rapidly flowering with open flowers on early cultivars.
- Now is the time to consider freeze protection and ensure plans are in place to protect blooms.
- Lettuce transplants are developing well, with few issues so far.
- Brassica transplants are going in well with good establishment.
- Direct-seeded onions are beginning to emerge.
Pee Dee Report
Brad Fowler
- Strawberries seem to be coming along nicely, but be sure to scout regularly and keep an eye out for spider mites and disease issues.
- Weeds also start growing pretty well this time of year, so it may be necessary to implement management strategies to keep them from getting out of hand.
- We are going to experience a weather roller coaster over the next week, and there may be damage to any uncovered flowers and developing strawberries, as well as to any recently planted vegetables, due to cold temperatures.
Upstate Report
Samantha Brown
- I don’t know about y’all, but this weather is giving me major whiplash. The F word (Frost) is being thrown around in the forecast for the week. With the intermixing of warm weather, our plants are coming into heavy bloom. Opened flowers are the most susceptible to frost damage. Covering plants for precautionary purposes would be my recommendation.
- Strawberry growers should be heavily scouting in the field as this week’s weather is going three different ways. Rain, frost, and 80-degree days. Disease pressure will be high with the moisture in the air.
- Blueberry and peach varieties have loved this warmer weather. Checking their bloom stage will help you determine what plan of action to take in preparation for the cold. If you’re unsure of what to do, call your local extension agent.
- Muscadines will soon begin breaking dormancy and showing bud swell in some locations. Inspect your trellis system, repair wires, and prepare for the upcoming season.
- Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and carrots enjoy this mild weather. Mild, warmer days and cool nights make these plants happy. Take advantage of the season before the heat arrives.
Question of the Week
What is this wild-looking critter?
Answer in the comments below and check back on Thursday to see the answer.
Don’t forget to look at the Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Have a great week!
The South Carolina Grower 
One response to “South Carolina Field Update (March 16, 2025): Developing Strawberries At Risk of Frost Injury”
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