Alright, so here’s the thing. I grew up gardening in Florida where the bugs are basically small dinosaurs and it rains sideways half the year. When I moved to South Carolina, I thought I knew what I was doing. Spoiler alert: I did not.
South Carolina gardening is its own wild ride. Different heat. Different soil. Different bugs. Honestly, it was a humbling experience. But if I can figure it out, you definitely can too. Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I started trying to garden in the South:
1. Fall is Where the Magic Happens
If you grew up thinking spring was planting season, same. But here, fall is the secret weapon. Want broccoli that doesn’t bolt the second you look at it? Carrots that actually fatten up? Cauliflower that does more than just sit there and judge you? Plant it in September. Thank me later.
2. Trees and Perennials Want a Head Start
If you’re thinking about planting fruit trees, rosemary, blueberries, or anything that’s supposed to stick around more than one season, get it in the ground during the fall. It gives them time to settle in before the summer sun tries to fry everything alive.
3. July and August Are Your Tap-Out Months
Here’s your permission slip: do less in July and August. It’s brutal out there. Most plants look sad. You will look sad. It’s fine. Use the time to plan your fall garden, maybe start some seeds inside, and try not to melt.
4. Full Sun Is a Lie (Kind of)
Yes, your plants need sun. No, they do not need all the sun. South Carolina’s full sun is different. It is personal. It's aggressive. Some plants, even the ones that say “loves full sun,” appreciate a little afternoon shade once summer cranks up. Especially tender greens and herbs. Trust me, they will wilt faster than me at a July farmers market.
"If you think you’re watering enough, you are probably not watering enough. Welcome to the South."
— Nomad Nursery Rule #4
5. Water Deep and Hope for Rain
You want to water deeply a few times a week (or daily when it's hot as all heck out there), not just sprinkle the surface. Early morning watering is best because the fungus loves warm, wet leaves (ask me how I know!) And mulch everything that you possibly can. Bare dirt turns into a brick when it bakes in the sun.
6. Start Seeds Way Earlier Than Feels Reasonable
Want tomatoes? Peppers? Eggplants? You better be starting those seeds indoors in January or early February. It feels way too early, but trust me, you’ll be so glad you did when spring hits and you have strong plants ready to move outside.
"A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows." — Doug Larson
7. Skip the Drama and Direct Sow
Not everything needs to start inside. Beans, cucumbers, squash, peas, and greens are totally cool with being planted straight into the ground once it’s warm enough. Actually, they prefer it.
8. Long Season Crops Need a Long Season
Garlic, onions, potatoes; these are slow movers. Plant them in fall and forget about them for a while. They will reward your patience in late spring and early summer when you have fresh garlic to brag about.
9. Some Plants Are Basically Immortals
In Florida, I learned that green onions are eternal. Turns out, here they (mostly) are too. Same with collards, kale, oregano, and parsley. Treat them right and they’ll stick around way longer than you expect. One less thing to replant every season.
“Money can’t buy happiness. But it can buy plants, and that’s the same thing.” – Unknown
10. Bugs Are Just Part of the Lifestyle
You will have bugs. Good bugs, bad bugs, bugs you cannot even identify (I have an app for that!) Do not panic. Inspect your plants often, encourage the good bugs (hello, ladybugs & pollinators), and remember that a few chewed leaves are a sign of a living, breathing garden, not a failing one.
Real Talk
Gardening here is messy, sweaty, hilarious, and one of the best things you can do with your time. You’ll kill a few plants. You’ll have some wild wins. You’ll learn way more from your mistakes than from the perfect weather days.
Start small. Water deeply. Mulch like your life depends on it. And maybe play some music for your plants too... because why not?
And if you ever need a fresh start or a funky heirloom plant to get excited about, you know where to find us. We’ll be rolling into a market near you, trailer full of leafy chaos and all.
