parting-glances slideshow: late-october stars

September is almost over, and autumn finally arrived. The weather gets moody, and there aren’t many sunny days to enjoy in the garden. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any October gardening jobs. If you are done with all of theessential gardening jobs for September, check out our suggestions about what to do in the garden in October.

Now that October is here, you must be busy with theessential gardening jobs for this autumn month. For most people, this time of the year is especially pleasing because of the cooler nights, warm sunny days, and pretty autumn foliage.

Earth stars (Cryptanthus species) are different from most bromeliads. They are terrestrial which means they are grown in rich, organic soil. Cryptanthus means “hidden flower” in Greek because the flowers are produced between the leaves and are not easily seen. The common name, earth star, was given because of the shape of the plant. They come in a variety of different shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes.

Plant foliage provides color, texture, and interest to the landscape.

A Fall Walk Around Crooked Trail Farm

Justin Ballew reports, “We had beautiful sunny weather last week that really helped dry things out. Strawberry transplants are due in this week and growers will start getting them in the ground as soon as they can. We have heard some reports of anthracnose coming from nurseries, so be sure to closely examine your plants and do not plant any that look weak. Since we are planting a little late, proper planting is all the more important. Be sue crews are planting transplants at the proper depth. Supervise them closely. Using row covers to push growing degree days may also be helpful this fall since most folks are planting a week or more late. There is a good article in this month’s NC Strawberry Association newsletter (pages 6-8) about using row covers in the fall.”

Rob Last reports, “We are progressing well with preparations for strawberry planting. Some plants are due to be delivered this week. Remember, if fumigants have been used, check to ensure the products have dissipated to prevent damage to the transplants. The same is true to make sure planting restrictions on any pre-emergence herbicides applications are observed. Always refer to the label. Finally, remember to check your plants carefully for pest and disease inoculum from the nursery. Planting any disease or pest-infected plants will lead to a more challenging growing season. If you require any help, please reach to Extension Agents.”

Zack Snipes reports, “We had a nice week of weather last week and are getting some rain this morning (10/25). Strawberry plants are arriving, and growers will be busy putting in plants this week. I’ve gotten several calls about doing plant dips to prevent disease for the upcoming season. Most growers are using Zivion, but it has been somewhat hard to come by, so others are using Switch. We are dipping plants to prevent crown rot diseases from wiping out our crop. Speaking of wiping out our crop…DEER. Get your fences up now BEFORE you plant. For more information on deer fencing, see HGIC 2902, Deer Management Using a Two-Tiered Fence System. We see black rot on brassicas every season, but it seems particularly bad this season.  Cultural practices such as crop rotation, using clean seed and transplants, and spacing plants out can help with the disease. Unfortunately, there are no products that will help with this disease.  We had a great fall watermelon crop that will be wrapping up here shortly.

“The end of summer is not the end of the world. Here’s to October…” ~A.A. Milne~

October is a wonderful gardening month in the Lowcountry. As the days get shorter and cooler, the garden centers begin to fill with favorite annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, and trees. “Fall is for planting.”

Check out the new rainfall calculator on the Clemson Weather website. This feature calculates the amount of rainfall received in a particular location over a specified time.

Check out the new rainfall calculator on the Clemson Weather website. This feature calculates the amount of rainfall received in a particular location over a specified time.