Author: Justin Ballew
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May Grower Spotlight – Watsonia Farms
Where is Sarah visiting this week? Watsonia Farms is a fourth-generation, organic fruit and vegetable farm located in Monetta, SC. Founded in 1918 by Joseph H. Watson, Sr., the farm started out growing asparagus. Watson also helped form the Monetta Asparagus Association, which helped the region become known as the “asparagus capital of the world”…
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Farmers’ Market Price Reports Now Available
By Kevin Burkett, Agribusiness Associate Clemson Extension is continuing a project to collect farmers’ market price data across the state. While some wholesale data is available from the South Carolina State Farmers Market in Columbia, this project aims to collect previously unknown or unreported direct, local, urban and rural data. Local farmers’ markets play an…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 11, 2026): Insects and Disease Increase as Forecast Shows Warming Trend
As more rain fell in parts of the state last week, disease and insect pressure began to increase. We’re seeing leafhoppers, sap beetles, thrips, and some caterpillars. Various root rots have been appearing in strawberries. Blueberries and other summer crops are looking good. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC…
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Question of the Week – Stink Bug Damage
Why is this developing peach bleeding this gummy substance? The clear, gummy substance on this developing peach is called gummosis. Gummosis occurs when the fruit has been damaged mechanically or by disease, cold, or insects. The most likely culprit here is stink bugs. Damage may take more than a week to appear, so it is…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 4, 2026): Finally, Some Rain!
We finally received significant rainfall late last week and over the weekend. Monitor disease carefully as more rain is forecast for mid-week. Early peach varieties are coming into harvest, as strawberry and blueberry harvests continue. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast is available now. Lowcountry Report…
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Question of the Week – Fire Blight
What’s causing this apple shoot tip to wilt and droop? This picture shows very early symptoms of fire blight disease on a young apple shoot. Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a disease that affects apple trees and can move quickly through young, tender growth. Early on—like in the shoot shown here—the…
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South Carolina Field Update (April 27, 2026): Upstate Receives Some Rain As the Midlands and Lowcountry Remain Dry
The Upstate received some rain over the weekend, while nothing much materialized in the Midlands or along the coast. With cooler temperatures and more chances for rain this week, we’ll be keeping a close watch on disease pressure. Insect pests, including scale, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetles, and mites, are causing problems in some areas.…
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Question of the Week – Root Collar Excavation
Why are the roots of this peach tree exposed? One of the biggest disease issues peach growers in South Carolina face is Armillaria Root Rot (ARR). The main reason this disease is so challenging is that we currently do not have a foolproof option for controlling its spread. The best and most effective way, researchers…
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South Carolina Field Update (April 20, 2026): Near-Record Heat Brings Sun Scalding Issues In Strawberries
As strawberry harvest is in full swing, sunscald has appeared on berries across the state. Issues with powdery mildew and spider mites are also still active. While we are all anxiously awaiting the rain forecast for this weekend, remember that rain can easily damage ripening strawberries. Be ready to sanitize fields. Check out this recent…
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April Grower Spotlight – Baxley Family Farms
Where is Andy visiting this week? Andy is visiting Baxley Family Farms in Georgetown, SC. Baxley Family Farms is a multi-generation operation focused on raising cattle, row crops, and local produce with a deep commitment to conservation and responsible land stewardship. Their on-farm market, Black Mingo Produce, offers fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, and dairy…
The South Carolina Grower 