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plant with herbicide damaged leaves

Herbicide Damage to Fruits and Vegetables

Each year in early summer, many growers begin to notice distorted leaves on their fruits, vegetables, and crops. Most commonly the cause is a herbicide application to a nearby field.

White silken tube with dark colored ends on a light background.

What’s Leaving These White Skins on My Lawn?

There have been many reports by homeowners of birds pulling out white, cigarette-looking tubes from their lawns. These tubes are silken tunnel linings created by the cigarette paper webworm.

Orange and metallic green moth resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borers Ramping up in South Dakota

Last week squash vine borer moths were observed in South Dakota. For this reason, it is important to scout for the moths as well as eggs on the stems of zucchini, squash, pumpkins and related produce.

Small white moth with a pattern of brown stripes on the wings.

What Are the Little Moths All Over My Lawn?

There have been reports of small, light-colored moths showing up by the thousands in people’s lawns. These moths have been identified as sod webworms, which are now emerging throughout South Dakota.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active

Squash vine borer moths have been observed in South Dakota gardens. Now that we know they are active, it is important to take steps to ensure that they don’t have a negative impact on our squash plants.

Herbaceous perennials growing in a garden.

How to Plant Potted Perennials in the Garden

Herbaceous perennial plants have long been the mainstay of most gardens. Whether you are starting a new perennial garden or adding a few plants to an existing garden, planning and proper planting techniques are key.

Faded cosmo flower being deadheaded with a pair of graden shears.

Enjoy More Flowers in Your Garden by Deadheading Regularly

Deadheading is a simple activity that removes the faded or spent blooms from plants to encourage more flowers. While almost all annuals benefit from deadheading, there are also a few perennials that will bloom for a second or even third time if deadheaded.

Two mosquitoes, the one on the left being darker in color and the one on the right having a white band on its extended mouthpart. The white band is indicated with a red circle drawn over the picture.

Will Mosquitos Be an Issue During This Summer?

Although it may seem like mosquitos won’t be an issue this year due to drought conditions, it is important to remember that they don’t require large bodies of water to reproduce. Mosquitos can utilize standing bodies of water, small puddles or even stagnant water in containers or old tires.

Green caterpillar with prolegs at the end of its body that form “V” shape.

Diamondback Moth Caterpillars Active In South Dakota

Diamondback moth caterpillars have been observed in South Dakota gardens. These pests feed primarily on cole crops, such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, leaving behind irregular-shaped holes.

Garden plant surrounded by a layer of wood chip mulch.

Organic Garden Mulches To Conserve Moisture and Prevent Weeds

If you want to reduce time spent in your vegetable and flower gardens watering or pulling weeds, consider mulching the soil surface with an organic material to improve plant health and your enjoyment of the garden.