Recently, the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) has been receiving photos of coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) that are malformed and green. The plants are infected with aster yellows, a bacterial phytoplasma (a type of bacterium that does not have cell walls). Aster leafhoppers (Macrosteles quadrillineatus) carry the pathogen and infect the plant tissue when they […] The post Aster Yellows appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

What left the fluffy, white deposit on this zinnia stem? This fluffy material was left by a flatid planthopper. Flatid planthoppers feed on a variety of ornamental plants. The ¼” long adults appear to be wedge-shaped and laterally flattened when viewed from above. This appearance is created by their large, angular front wings, which they hold […] The post Question of the Week – Planthopper appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

Scattered rain fell over the weekend. Peppers and okra are coming as the watermelon harvest finishes up. Disease and insect pressure remains high, and planning for strawberry planting is beginning. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the […] The post SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 22, 2024 appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

“Then followed that beautiful season…Summer…Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~ The post July 22 Week 4 Garden Photos appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

An increase in development and urban sprawl has created a need to develop more wildlife-friendly landscapes. All wildlife need food, shelter (cover), water, and space to survive. A rain garden can fulfill some of those needs by providing habitat typically lacking in an urban or backyard environment. A rain garden is a landscaped depression designed […] The post Rain Gardens as Wildlife Habitat appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf? This damage was caused by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urica). While spider mites are often included in discussions of insect management, they actually have 8 legs, making them more closely related to spiders. Typically, two-spotted spider mites can be found feeding on the underside of the leaves. […] The post Question of the Week – Spider Mites appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

A few areas received rain over the last week, contributing to increases in disease and fruit split. Sunscald and blossom end rot are becoming common, and insect pressure remains high. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the […] The post SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report–July 15, 2024 appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” ~May Sarton~ The post July 15 Week 3 Garden Photos appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

It’s summertime! And while this means long, warm, and sunny days, it can also mean more sun exposure for our skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide is skin cancer. However, this does not mean we should forgo our favorite summer activities altogether. By following […] The post UV Safety Month: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more

What is going on with this Roma tomato? The tie-dye appearance of this tomato is due to it being infected by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV is an important virus of tomato, pepper, eggplant, peanuts, tobacco, etc. that causes significant yield loss to affected plants. The virus is transmitted by thrips feeding. While TSWV […] The post Question of the Week – TSWV appeared first on Home & Garden Information Center ..read more