Savannah Valley District

When to Start Pruning

Glen Payne, Urban Horticulture Agent Azalea pruning should be completed now that the 4th of July has passed. If possible, avoid additional pruning, as the new buds will be starting to set for next year. Scout for any pests attempting to hide in the shade of the undersides of the leaves and treat pest populations […]

The Journey of a Watermelon: From Seed to Table

Local Watermelon Field

Anna Sara Hill, Horticulture Extension Agent Have you ever contemplated how that juicy watermelon on your table was grown; or have you wondered how the grower knows when it is the right time to pick it? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more. Traditionally, seeds were sewn directly into the field. […]

Water Wisely this Summer!

     Ellen Sturup Comeau “A rain gauge is used to track rainfall amounts on the property. Photo credit Kim Morganello.” Summer is fast approaching! That means sunny weather, hot temperatures, and high humidity. Staying hydrated is critical to staying healthy in the intense weather, and that is doubly true for the plants in our yards. […]

Introducing the Clemson Extension TEACH Center at The Citadel Mall

Amy L. Dabbs, Statewide School & Community Gardening Coordinator The Clemson Extension TEACH Center at the Citadel Mall opened its doors on May 2, 2024. The new space serves as a regional meeting, teaching, and demonstration space for community-based Extension programming. “TEACH,” an acronym for Training, Education, Agriculture, and Community Health, aligns with the mission […]

The Watermelon Journey: From Weed to Commercial Cultivation

Anna Sara Hill, Horticulture Extension Agent One taste closely correlated with summertime here in the Southeast is a juicy, sweet watermelon! July is National Watermelon Month. Have you ever wondered where that mouthwatering tasty treat originated? The answer to that question lies in Africa, where wild types still grow like weeds today.  Like modern-day watermelons, these […]

Clemson University Student Intern in Allendale County

McKynzie Still, Summer Intern, Allendale Extension Office My name is McKynzie Still, and I am from Barnwell. I am an upcoming junior at Clemson University. My major is in animal science, with a concentration in animal agribusiness and a minor in business administration. I am interning with the Livestock and Forages Agent, Hillary Pope, in […]

Celebrating Clemson Extension Employee’s Service Milestones in July 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL UNIVERSITY STAFF WHO ACHIEVED MILESTONES IN THE MONTH OF JULY. HILLARY POPE, AREA LIVESTOCK AND FORAGES AGENT, 7/6/2020 – 4 YEARS BRANDI B. MURDAUGH, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, 7/8/2019 – 5 YEARS MEGHAN BARKLEY, 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENT, 7/2018 – 6 YEARS EACH CELEBRATING YEAR(S) AT CLEMSON UNIVERSITY. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers […]

Sun Safety: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent, Colleton and Hampton Counties Agriculture relies on sunshine for growing and harvesting crops, rising healthy livestock, and providing adequate work conditions. However, the sun may be one of the biggest health hazards farmers faces. To get their jobs done, farmers and agricultural workers spend enormous amounts of time in […]

Safe Driving Tips During Planting Season

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University There are certain times of the year when farm vehicles and equipment will be more prevalent on the highways, such as spring planting and fall harvest, and motorists need to be aware of this increased activity and exercise caution and patience. With planting season underway in […]

Weekly Field Update

Phillip Carnley, Area Horticulture Agent  Onions Strawberries are looking good around the Midlands. The biggest issue I’ve seen is still Neopest and getting plants to size up. With Neopest, stay on top of a preventative spray with Thiram or Switch. If plants are still small, row covers are your friend and will help force crown […]