Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Green and brown grasshopper with two yellow lines that originate on the head and meet on the abdomen.

Monitor Emerging Winter Wheat for Grasshopper Populations

Large grasshopper populations have been observed in many areas of South Dakota. It is important to scout winter wheat fields for grasshoppers before and after planting, especially in areas where large populations have been identified.

USDA agent and producer reviewing paperwork at a desk.

An Analysis of Margin Protection Crop Insurance on Corn and Soybeans in South Dakota

Margin protection crop insurance, an endorsement/policy that insures producers against rising input costs, is growing in popularity in South Dakota. Recent research investigated how South Dakota margin protection payouts compared to our neighboring states.

Gardeners browsing a tablet computer while visiting a garden center.

Home Horticulture Resources for Gardeners

Horticulture is the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops. In addition to our website, there are many horticulture resources available on the web to provide research-based information to help every gardener succeed.

Freshly harvested sweet potatoes on display at an outdoor market.

Sweet Potatoes: How to Grow It

Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America, and their tasty orange flesh is a dietary staple in warm climates. Learn some expert tips for planting, growing, and harvesting them in this resource!

Christmas cactus plant in full bloom with bright-pink, tubular flowers.

SDSU Extension to host off-season Garden Hour series

September 09, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will continue its popular Garden Hour series during the off-season with webinars every other month.

Two white flowers with green leaves. The first flower has an abnormal fused bloom.

Fasciation: What’s going on with my plant?

Fasciation is a malformation of plant parts commonly manifested as enlargement, flattening or cojoining. The abnormal growth of plants can be uniquely puzzling and beautiful at the same time.

Floating row covers set up over rows of specialty crops.

Season Extension for Fall Specialty Crops

Extending crop production into the fall allows growers to take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy fresh, cool-season vegetables later in the year.

Integrating Precision Ag Tools for Smarter SCN Assessment and Management

Fact sheet on integrating Precision Ag tools for Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) assessment and management

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the number of classes of change in drought conditions from June 3 to September 2, 2025. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook

A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.

Apr 07

Garden Hour

Garden Hour will return with as a limited series during the fall and winter months.