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.

Grasshoppers in Gardens

Due to large populations and dry conditions, grasshoppers are moving into gardens and feeding on whatever they can find. In a normal year, grasshoppers can be a nuisance in a garden, but during an outbreak year, they can present a real threat to gardens, shrubs and small trees.

Brown beetle with hairy body and black mottled pattern on a pink flower petal.

Bumble Flower Beetles Are Here

One of the insects that starts to attract attention this time of year are the bumble flower beetles. These large and noisy beetles somewhat resemble June beetles, but they show up later in the season.

Close-up of a yellow sunflower head.

National Sunflower Association 2021 Sunflower Survey

Volunteers from private industry and SDSU Extension will soon be visiting South Dakota sunflower fields to participate in the biennial sunflower survey. The survey aims to evaluate yields and production practices along with pest pressure from weeds, insects, diseases and birds.

Young woman photographing leaf-scorched hostas in a garden.

Garden and Yard Problems Solved: How to Submit Photos and Samples to Our Experts

Garden and lawn issues can sometimes be diagnosed by simply looking at a photo. Photos give our Extension experts a place to start, and providing them with the best possible photo can help the process.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of Aug. 31, Northwest and North Central South Dakota arefacing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A Small portion of the northeast has adequate moisture.

September Drought Hour Examines Cover Crops, System Strategies

September 08, 2021

While portions of South Dakota saw some reprieve from the drought last week, the climate outlook for September through November is leaning towards drier than average conditions and warmer than average temperatures.

Stream running through West River South Dakota rangeland.

Water Rights in a Time of Drought

During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.

Winter wheat field in early fall with small, green wheat plants emerging.

Winter Wheat Planting Considerations

As we move into fall, winter wheat growers often ask, "What is the best time to plant winter wheat?" If planted too early, winter wheat can develop disease and insect problems. If planted too late, it can get winter killed.

Hand spreading grass seed on lawn.

Renew Your Lawn This Fall With Overseeding

Overseeding your lawn is a smart maintenance procedure and a great way to renew your lawn after periods of drought. Fall timing gives you the best conditions for new grass to grow and thrive.

Bright-yellow to dark-orange rudbeckia flowers in bloom.

Rudbeckia Brighten the Garden From Summer Through Fall

Rudbeckia, or Black-Eyed Susans, are a favorite plant of many gardeners. They are prized for their bright yellow-to-orange flowers with the dark-brown center, and they are typically easy to grow when planted in a sunny location.

Four varieties of colorful chrysanthemum flowers, including: Mammoth Red, Mammoth Lavender, Mammoth Yellow Quill and Mammoth Twilight Pink.

Chrysanthemums Add Color to Fall Gardens

Chrysanthemums are the quintessential fall-blooming plant that are sold all over the region, but not all mums are created equal! You need to shop carefully if you want plants that will look good this fall and also come back in future years.