The NOMA Community Garden with its winter veggies. | Photo by COLAtoday team
Be-leaf it or not, January is a good time to get gardening, shop for seeds, do some routine maintenance, and even sow certain plants.
Spring for seeds
Peruse seed catalogs and grab those springtime favorites that are so popular they tend to sell out come the thaw. We’re talking snap peas, radishes, specialty lettuces, and heirloom tomatoes. You can also get your wishlist going for the spring planting of fall bulbs like hostas, gladiolas, and dahlias.
Check out these local spots to nab your favorites:
While you’re at the nursery, grab some seeds that you can plant right now (or, at least, very soon). Use this tool to calculate when to sow some of these early-season crops.
Beans
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Lettuce
Can’t wait for that final frost date? Now is a good time to prep your seed trays. Clean and organize your trays, then sow these plants indoors with a growing light to be moved outdoors when the time is right.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas Grand Opening | Friday, Jan. 17-Saturday, Jan. 18 | 12-7 p.m. | Morelia Gourmet Paletas | Free | Kick off the weekend with free paletas, live music, and customizable sweet treats.
Tom’s Elton Tribute: The Rocket Man Experience | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $15+ | Hear this Elton John tribute band perform iconic hits like “Rocket Man” and “Your Song,” featuring costumes and the vocals of Tom Cridland.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Ranky Tanky | 8 p.m. | Newberry Opera House | 45+ | The band revives the soulful sounds of Gullah culture with their vibrant blend of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and R and B.
The Revolutionists | Through Saturday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre | $25 | This play focuses on four women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.
Winter Oyster Roast | 5-9 p.m. | Blossom Plant and Produce | $25+ | Enjoy oysters, live music, plants, community, and more at the market’s inaugural event.
Donut Fest | 12-10 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Price of purchase | Treat yourself to a day of donuts, beer, games, and live music — because cheat days are worth celebrating.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Yoga with Baby Goats | 2-3 p.m. | Fit Columbia | $27 | It’s like yoga, but better because baby goats will be there.
Sober Curious? This test could help. | Photo by Getty Images
Dry January gains momentum each year as more Americans join the sober curious movement to rethink their broader relationship with alcohol. A 2024 survey found that 41% of all American adults planned to reduce alcohol consumption throughout the year, highlighting a growing trend toward moderation (and mocktails).
Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t just benefit mental clarity — it can also improve liver health. Studies suggest that two to four weeks of abstinence may reduce signs of liver inflammation and improve overall liver function.
Labcorp OnDemand’s Liver Health Test provides a deeper understanding of your liver’s condition by screening for inflammation, potential disease, or fibrosis. With Dry January as the perfect starting point for healthier habits, this test helps you gain valuable insights into your wellness journey.
Now through Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Liver Health Test is available for 25% off, no code needed. Make 2025 the year you prioritize your health.
The University of South Carolina system generates a $7.4 billion annual economic impact statewide, according to a new Darla Moore School study. In total, USC supports 61,700 jobs, $3 billion in labor income, and $224.6 million in state tax revenue.
Development
The City of Columbia plans to renovate its 1401 Main St. office building, adding an illuminated pyramid to its roof. The upgrades include replacing glass and trim, adding new city signage, and streetscaping. If approved, the project would raise the building’s height to 225 ft. (Post and Courier)
Sports
ESPN’s College GameDay kicks off its 2024-25 season in Columbia on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., ahead of the No. 2 South Carolina vs. No. 5 LSU showdown. Fun fact: USC leads with the most GameDay appearances in women’s hoops history.
State
$1.3 billion. That’s how much the South Carolina Research Authority — a non-profit that aims to “fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy by accelerating technology-enabled growth of academia, entrepreneurship, and industry” — contributed to the state in 2024, which supported ~6,700 SC-based jobs. (Upstate Business Journal)
Real Estate
A 192-home development is proposed for a rural area along Edmund Highway in Lexington County, between South Congaree and Red Bank. The Lexington County Planning Commission discussed the project, including school impacts, at its meeting yesterday. If approved, plans may still undergo revisions. (WLTX)
Listen
South Carolina football landed another elite player. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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Shop
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Category
Feel Good
✍️ Making Triumph history
Kamden has big plans for his first-goal celebration dance. | Photo by GVLtoday
The Greenville Triumph made its biggest signing in its almost seven-year history on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Kamden, a seven-year-old forward out of Columbia, is the newest member of the team, fulfilling his dream through Make-A-Wish South Carolina.
The soccer legend wears No. 7, paying homage to his favorite player Cristiano Ronaldo, and he tells us he’s most excited about scoring a goal and getting to know his teammates.
“He is expected to perform at the very highest level,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Rick Wright.
After signing his contract, Kamden will have his own media day + participate in team training sessions to prepare for his debut at the Greenville Triumph’s game on Saturday, March 29.
The Buy
The Buy
A reading journal. Use it to write notes about the books you’re reading — like quotes that catch your eye, pages you want to come back to, and your overall rating. Pro tip: Use multicolor pens to make filling out your journal even more fun.
Last week, I made an evening trip to the Palmetto Tennis Center in Sumter to check out the grand opening of the new authentic German red clay courts. While the hardcourts are free to play, the clay courts cost $40 per hour for visitors from outside Sumter County. It took some time to adjust to the bounce — and yes, it was 35 degrees outside — but after 20 minutes, I was sliding around like Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros.
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