Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Salt-impacted field recovering, with active plant life growing throughout.

The Power of Living Roots

Learn how living roots improve soil structure and can be used as a tool to fix marginal lands with salty soil conditions.

A close up of prickly Russian thistle

Prickly Russian Thistle

Publications that provide introductory and expanded information on the notorious invasive plant, prickly Russian thistle.

Wind damage on a pole barn's exterior.

Wind Damage to Pole Barns: Things To Know

Windstorms can cause significant damage to agricultural structures, including post-frame buildings, also known as pole barns. Learn some expert tips for protecting, inspecting and repairing these structures in the aftermath of a storm.

Grain bin damaged by a windstorm.

Salvaging Feed Grain From Damaged Storage Structures

The windstorm that hit South Dakota on May 12, 2022 left an extensive damage in its wake, including damage to grain bin structures. Taking prompt action can help minimize value loss in stored grain.

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens to Host 2022 Garden Discovery Festival May 22

May 16, 2022

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens will be hosting the 2022 Garden Discovery Festival on May 22 from noon to 5 p.m. CDT at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center in Brookings.

Tilled field with signs of erosion along the field edge.

The Costs of Erosion: Topsoil’s Role in Food Security

The thin layer of topsoil covering our earth sustains almost all of the life we know. Learn some answers to common questions about protecting it from erosion.

Bright green, smooth Hosta leaves, and ferny foliage with bright red peony flowers in a garden.

Dividing Perennials in the Spring

Many beautiful perennials are hardy to South Dakota. Dividing perennials is an easy, inexpensive and reliable way to propagate your favorite perennials and keep them growing for years.

Four common spring weeds: Shepherd’s Purse, Catchweed Bedstraw, Waterpod and Henbit.

Spring Annual Weeds

There are several weeds that pop up very early in the spring and start flowering before most other plants have shown any signs of growth. Learn about some common varieties to look out for.

Group of farmers and ranchers attending a drought meeting.

SDSU Extension to Host Drought Management Meetings

April 29, 2022

SDSU Extension will host drought management meetings across South Dakota May 10-12.

Variety of cool-season, flowering plants, including: African Daisies, Petunias, Lobelia and Alyssum.

Cool-Season Flowering Annuals for the Garden

Flowering annuals that thrive in the cool weather can bring a gorgeous array of colors, shapes and sizes to your garden for early-season enjoyment! Learn about some great selections for South Dakota gardens.