Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Young man shoveling a pile of compost.

Organic Gardening: Soil Management

Gardeners throughout South Dakota are experimenting with organic gardening. While the adoption of organic gardening methods can be daunting, learning some fundamental soil management concepts will set the foundations for success.

Harvested leeks.

Leeks: Harvest and Storage

Leeks are a cool-season garden vegetable similar to onions. Learn how to select, grow, harvest and store them with this helpful guide!

Producer harvesting dahlia flowers on a flower farm.

An Introduction to Cut Flower Production

In addition to their stunning colors and beauty, cut flowers can add supplemental income to gardens and farms alike. Learn some tips for growing, harvesting and marketing cut flowers this growing season!

Hostas growing under filtered light beneath a tree.

Hosta: A Shade-loving Perennial

Hostas, known for their foliage and love of shade, have developed into a coveted landscaping staple. Learn how to select, plant and grow a hosta that's right for your garden or landscape!

Basket of fresh sweetcorn cobs.

Growing Sweet Corn Successfully in South Dakota

Sweet corn is a staple crop with many different varieties, which each bring their own unique qualities influencing flavor, texture, and shelf life. Learn some expert tips for growing it in South Dakota gardens!

Colorful coleus growing in a garden.

Coleus: A Color for Every Garden

Coleus have long been a great plant for gardens, generally grown as foliage plants that offer a huge variety of foliage colors, and can be grown in a variety of soils in part-shade to sun.

A red tractor and seed drill planting in a no-till field.

Project to Study Soil Health Economics in South Dakota

Soil degradation has become one of the most pressing global issues, because of its adverse effects on world food security, environment and quality of life.

A green tractor planting seeds in a no-till field. Courtesy: United Soybean Board [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Crop Rotations and No-Till

Implementing crop rotations and no-till practices are common suggestions to reduce erosion, control pests, and improve yields. These practices can also improve soil health through an increase in soil carbon levels.

Rows of soybean growing in corn residue in a diverse, no-till crop rotation.

Economics of Different Crop Rotation Systems in South Dakota

Economic returns are an important factor to consider when selecting crop rotation systems.

Sun rising over cropland.

Crop Changes in South Dakota: 2017-2022

According to the recently released 2022 Census of Agriculture, crop variety has slightly increased in South Dakota over the past five years (2017-2022).