Weekly Field Update
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
- The dog days of summer are here, and it shows. Many growers are either taking a break to beat the heat or are in a transition period.
- Fall crops are being put in the ground right now (tomato, pepper, melons), while summer crops are still hanging on (eggplant, okra, hot peppers).
- Muscadines will be coming to market this week.
- Some growers are growing cover crops to build the soil for next season. With the heat and frequency of rain, these cover crops look amazing. I was in a beautiful field of cowpeas last week. I checked the root nodules for the presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria and was impressed at what I saw.
Midlands
Rob Last
- Crops in the area look good, with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, and squash all coming to market with good quality.
- As we approach the fall planting time, here are just a few points to consider:
- Take the time to correct soil pH and get the fertilization program right.
- Utilizing non-selective herbicides can be advantageous to remove emerged weeds, taking the pressure off the selective in-crop materials.
- When forming beds and laying plastic, keep an eye on soil moisture to create a firm bed. Firm beds will aid in making the management of the crops easier. Water use, fertigation and herbicide efficiency can all be improved in a firm bed. A good rule of thumb is a 150-pound man should leave an indent of 0.5”.
- Consider a pre-emergence herbicide to help with weed management.
Pee Dee
Bruce McLean
- Last week’s cool-off (however brief) was a nice respite, but the heat is back. The forecast for the foreseeable future looks like it will be a continuation of heat, humidity, possible rain, repeat.
- Okra and hot peppers are coming off in good quantity and quality. This should continue with the weather forecasted.
- Tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and cucumbers had slowed a bit but seem to be picking back up.
- Sweetpotatoes are growing very well, with little problems. It is shaping up to be a very good year for the crop.
- Fall vegetable planting is underway.
- Some lingering late rabbiteye blueberries are still coming off, but volumes are very limited. The blueberry crop is largely completed for the year.
- Some limited late summer/fall primocane blackberries are becoming available. Quality looks to be good for the upcoming harvest.
- Late peaches are still coming in. Volume and quality are good, but the season is quickly winding down.
- Fresh market muscadines are just coming into harvest. Sugargate and Tara are starting to pick. Wine and juice muscadines are still a few weeks away. Noble is at about 5% to 7% color. Carlos, Welder and Doreen are yet to have any significant color.