Home & Garden Information Center Ideas, Tips & Guides

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 feed on it. They are small olive-green to tan insects with wedge-shaped bodies. Adults are 1/8 in length and have three pairs of spots on their heads.

What left the fluffy, white deposit on this zinnia stem?

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.

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 to capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs and roads and runoff from compacted turfgrass. See HGIC Factsheet 1864:Rain Garden Plants: Introduction for additional information on rain gardens.

“Then followed that beautiful season…Summer…Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light.”

What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf?

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.

“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~

What is this flower that was found growing on a rock in the middle of a river?

“Land is not merely soil, it is a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants, and animals.” ~Aldo Leopold~

Scattered rain this past weekend brought some much needed relief to parts of the state. Insect pressure remains high in some places, and disease pressure is climbing. Harvest of several summer crops is starting to slow as preparations for fall crops are beginning. See details below.

What is going on with this Roma tomato?

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day later this week!

Water is essential. This time of year can bring inconsistent rainfall, and with the heat, supplemental irrigation may be needed. Make sure to water deeply but infrequently when irrigating. This is determined by soil type and plant needs.

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 some simple tips, we can protect ourselves and stay safe in the sun.

World Kabob Day is a culinary celebration that unites food enthusiasts around the globe. It’s a day dedicated to the rich, diverse flavors of kabobs, a dish that transcends cultures and brings a piece of culinary art to our plates. Kabobs, with their origins tracing back to various parts of the world, including the Middle East and South Asia, are more than just skewered meats and vegetables; they are a testament to culinary creativity and cultural fusion.

“Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts.” ~Sigmund Freud~

National Hand Roll Day, which is celebrated on July 6th of this year, is a culinary adventure that invites you to dive deep into the vibrant world of Japanese sushi hand rolls. With their striking colors, tantalizing tastes, and varied textures, hand rolls are a testament to the artistry and tradition of Japanese cuisine. Observing this day is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a cultural feast, exploring the rich tapestry of flavors one roll at a time.

What is wrong with these blueberries?

The heat continues throughout the state. Small fruits and peaches are being harvested in great quantities as disease and insect issues continue to develop in certain vegetable crops. See details below.

Each June, we recognize National Men’s Health Month to bring awareness to health and wellness needs specific to men. Research shows that men, on average, live 5 years less than women. This is not surprising, considering men also have a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, mental health issues, and stroke. However, it’s not all bad news. With a few simple lifestyle modifications, men can reduce their risk for many of these conditions, leading to a longer, healthier life.

“Is this snake poisonous?” I get asked this question a lot, and my answer is no. The snake isn’t poisonous, but it could be venomous.

The HGIC Staff recently toured the Festival of Flower Topiary Displays in Greenwood, SC. The topiaries will be on display through July 8th. Plan a visit!

Would you like to add another native plant to your perennial or pollinator garden? One of my favorites is Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis). It’s part of the Asteraceae family and is native to the southeastern United States. The genus Stokesia is in honor of Jonathan Stokes (1755-1831), an English physician and botanist, and the species name, laevis, means smooth.

What kind of caterpillar is feeding on this buckeye leaf?

More hot, dry weather is in store for this week. Disease and insect pressure continue to increase as watermelon, small fruit, tomato, and peach harvest continues. See details below.

Daylily flowers only last a day, but what joy they bring to the garden!

If you’re looking for a beautiful native plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis) is a good choice. I spent an hour in the Perennial border in the South Carolina Botanical Garden on the last Thursday in May observing this plant.

National Cucumber Day is a unique celebration that brings a refreshing twist to our calendars every June 14th. This day is not just about enjoying cucumbers in their natural, crunchy form but also about exploring the creative avenues this versatile vegetable offers. Families can turn this day into a fun, engaging, and delicious adventure, strengthening bonds over the love for cucumbers.

What caused the galls to form on this pecan leaf?

Finally, a little rain fell around the state, though things remain fairly dry overall. Disease and insect pests are becoming more common as tomatoes, cucurbits, and sweet corn come to harvest. See details below.

Maximizing leftovers not only saves you time in the kitchen but also saves you money on your grocery bill and reduces food waste. By utilizing your leftovers to make a new meal, you can get the most bang for your buck and turn a previously used ingredient into a new menu item – this keeps our weekly dinner menu exciting and fresh. It is estimated that the average American throws away roughly $1500 worth of food each year, either through spoilage or uneaten leftovers. With the cost of groceries steadily rising and the average monthly cost of groceries exceeding $1000, it is important that we think creatively about ways to use what we have. By transforming your leftovers, you will make your wallet much happier.

Do not be surprised to start seeing evidence of the periodic cicada invasion. Females damage small branches by their egg-laying activities. They use their ovipositor to cut slits through the bark and lay eggs. Heavy egg-laying can damage the branches enough to cause them to die back. The branch “flagging” can be alarming, but the trees will recover.

Hydrangeas are the stars of a summer garden.

Have you ever planted something in your garden and years later regretted it? There are several plants in my garden that fit that bill. One such plant is horsetail or scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale). Over the years, it has spread rapidly in a shady, wet garden area and now it pops up in my lawn.

What is munching on this dill?