Savannah Valley District

Dorchester County Administrative Assistant to Retire after 32 and 1/2 years of service

Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Mrs. Paula Varn has dedicated 32 ½ years of service to Clemson Cooperative Extension in Dorchester County as a valued office Administrative Assistant. Paula is well-known and respected within the community of Saint George, SC. She is loved by her fellow Administrative Assistants and Extension Agent colleagues.  Through the years, she […]

Heart-Seeded Berries Strewn About 

Anna Sara Hill, Horticulture Extension Agent Spring is in the air and soon plants bearing one of Americans favorite fruit will be blooming, followed by the ripening of the iconic red heart shaped seeded berries.  Individual berries have approximately 150-200 seeds called achenes, embedded in the flesh.  The fruit we know by the name of […]

National Pesticide Education Month

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University February is National Pesticide Education Month and a great time to review pesticide application safety practices in your farming operation. When using pesticides, it’s essential to focus on safety to protect ourselves, others, and the environment. As farmers gear up for spring planting season, February is an […]

Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work January 2025

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work – Although activities on the farm tend to slow down during winter months, daily responsibilities continue, and winter weather can make conditions more hazardous. Exposure to cold is not just uncomfortable; it can also be a potentially dangerous situation. The […]

SC Master Gardener Class 2024

Glen Payne, Urban Horticulture Agent This years SC Master Gardener class was off to a roaring start back in August with a full class of 25 prospective new members. Students have been diligently studying core topics covering botany, plant pathology, IPM strategies, soils, & entomology to name just a few of the 20 chapters covered. […]

Pecan Tidbits

Anna Sara Hill, Horticulture Extension Agent One of the highlights of fall are pecans and all the culinary “tidbits” made with them. For centuries people have enjoyed the nut’s rich buttery flavor. Native Americans used the pecans as an important food source for thousands of years and used them as trade items. The word pecan […]

Reducing Hay Storage and Feeding Losses

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University The goal of any hay feeding program should be to provide high-quality hay in adequate quantities that meet the animal’s nutritional needs. The most significant operational cost in most livestock operations is stored or harvested feed, so reducing storage and feeding losses makes sense. It is […]

Celebrating Clemson Extension Employee’s Service Milestones in October:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL UNIVERSITY STAFF WHO ACHIEVED MILESTONES IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER. BRANDI MINTZ, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, 10/14/2014 – (10) YEARS! LISA TERRY, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT,     10/31/2006 – (18) YEARS! EACH CELEBRATING YEAR(S) AT CLEMSON UNIVERSITY. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national […]

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

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. […]