Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.
Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “Now is the time for Lowcountry strawberry growers to give their plants the first shot of boron. Boron helps with both flower and fruit development. Growers can spray boron or inject via the drip system. Boron deficiency will show up in your fruit if you skip out on application. Now is the time to get it out because plants will be pushing blooms soon and they need the boron available to make nice pretty flowers and fruit. A boron application takes only a few minutes and literally a few dollars but can keep you from throwing away thousands of misshapen or “bullnose” berries. We only need to put out a tiny amount, but that tiny amount makes a big difference.”
Midlands
Justin Ballew reports, “This weather in the midlands this past week has been a roller coaster. It’s been warm, cool, sunny and now rainy. I saw the first daffodil bloom in my yard late this past week, so spring is on its way. Our strawberries are looking pretty good right now, though with the rain we’ve gotten recently, keep an eye out for Phytophthora issues. I’ve gotten several questions about when to start fertigating and protecting blooms. Most experienced growers in our area start fertigating between mid-March and the first of April. I think this is a good reference point, but I also think the weather should help us decide when to start. The forecast seems to be warming sightly, so starting later next week probably will be fine. As far as protecting blooms goes, count back 30 days from the date you’d like to start harvesting. For most growers, let your market be your guide. However, if your picking labor won’t arrive until April 1, you probably shouldn’t start protecting blooms until the first of March.
Phillip Carnley reports, “Everything is looking good in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. I am just now starting to see cold damage on some strawberries, but it is very minimal. Deer seem to be causing some issues in certain fields, so make sure that you have your deer fencing in place and any other countermeasures. With the advent of the rain, I have also seen some nutrient deficiencies starting to pop up, so be ready to start tissue sampling. Weeds are starting to be an issue in planting holes, so be sure to stay on top of weeding or strategic use of herbicides.
Upstate
Kerrie Roach reports, “Pruning apples and peaches has been the main activity here in the upstate. Valentine’s Day is my reminder to get it done when it comes to pruning tree fruits and many of the small fruits (perennials). With everything else being a little slow, now is also a great time to finish preparing for the season ahead. If you haven’t done so already, order your seeds, fertilizer, soil and hardware. Start with your best foot forward by selecting varieties with the best pest and pathogen resistance profile. Review what you had problems with last year, and look for ways to PREVENT infection or infestation.