The SC Grower Exchange: February 3, 2026

In our first update of 2026, Sarah, Rob, Zack and Anna Sara share a few grower meetings coming up. Psst: You can still register and take advantage of these yourself! Although there isn’t a ton of crops growing out in the field at this time of year, there are plenty of things happening behind the scenes. We chat a little about the recent cold weather and how crops are affected, and even get into some positives about the cold, like accumulating chill hours. Many of our perennial fruit crops actually need cold to ensure healthy bloom and fruit set in the spring, and we touch on that, as well as a weather station program in South Carolina that lends to that. In addition to the cold and chilly topics, we share a few pests to keep an eye on for the 2026 growing season. Several insect and disease issues were hot topics last season, and these should be at the top of everyone’s radar moving into the new year. Tons of information today, so tune in!