Garden
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Backyard Biodiversity: Nest boxes for native bees
Many of our native bee species are solitary. In order to ensure that these kinds of bees spend more time in our yards and gardens, it is important to make sure we include places for them to nest.
Check Your Houseplants for Pests
Houseplants are susceptible to a variety of pests. The following article outlines some of the more common household pests, including: spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. We will discuss strategies for scouting out and managing these pests to avoid prolonged damage to your houseplants.
Ages & Stages in the Garden: Ages 9-11
When working with upper elementary youth in a garden consider their physical development and skill level as you develop learning activities. Nine to eleven year olds have better coordination and reaction time by this age, however sometimes dues to growth spurs there can be short-term issues with balance and coordination. Additionally, these children have more body strength and their hand dexterity has increased.
Two Favorite Spring Vegetables
After a long winter with no fresh homegrown vegetables, many gardeners really look forward to that first spring harvest of asparagus and rhubarb.
Time To Harvest Those Winter Squash
One of the wonderful things about having a vegetable garden is having access to fresh produce all season long. Now that the growing season is closing down, you likely still have some vegetables left to harvest, particularly the winter squash. The great thing about squash is that they usually store well so they can provide food for several months during the fall and winter.
South Dakota Plants to Know: Purple prairie clover
The purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) is in bloom right now at the Prairie Butterfly Garden and each clump is abuzz with bumble bees, honey bees, and other pollinators. Not only is this native perennial highly attractive to pollinators, but it is also drought tolerant and deer resistant making it a hardy choice for your garden.
Pruning Fruit Trees
February is a good time to start pruning your fruit crops. Pruning is one of the most important cultural practices in growing apples and other fruit crops. It is important to prune your fruit trees at the right time to avoid the risk of damage to the crop. The ideal time to prune most fruit trees is anytime between February and April.
It's Apple Harvesting Time!
Do you know how to tell when an apple is ready to pick? Color change can be deceiving, since some apples turn red before they are fully ripe.
Protecting Your Garden From Squash Bugs
With the end of summer approaching, we are beginning to receive many reports of squash bugs appearing throughout South Dakota. These insects are a common pest in gardens from mid-summer until the first frost.
Managing Cucumber Beetles
Two cucumber beetle species occur in South Dakota; the striped cucumber beetle and the spotted cucumber beetle (also known as the southern corn rootworm).