SDSU Extension is hosting a contest in search of South Dakota's Greatest Gardens. Whether you grow vegetables, flowers, or a little of everything, this contest is your chance to show off your hard work. Open to all South Dakota residents over 18 years old with non-commercial/home gardens — any size, any style. SDSU Extension will judge all entries based solely on submitted photos (no site visits will take place).
The contest is open from July 1 through August 23. The four winners in each category will be eligible for the People's Choice Award, which will be voted on at the Master Gardener Booth in the Horticulture Building at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron on September 2-7.
Contest winners will be announced in September. Each winner will receive a yard sign announcing the win, an annual membership to McCrory Gardens (which also grants free admission to nearly 400 gardens and arboreta across North America), and seeds from McCrory Gardens.
Contest Detials
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry
- Must be a current resident of South Dakota
- Garden must be located within the state of South Dakota
- Entrants must submit their own garden
- All non-commercial garden types are welcome, including:
- In-ground gardens
- Raised beds
- Container and patio gardens
- Indoor and greenhouse gardens
- Community garden plots (must clearly identify your space)
Entry Requirements
- Entry period: July 1 – August 23
- Each garden may be entered once only
- Submissions must include up to 5 photos taken during the 2026 growing season. One photo must be the person entering the contest holding the contest sign (see the attachment at the end of this page).
Entry Categories
- Best Vegetable/Edible Garden
- Best Pollinator/Native Garden
- Best Container Garden
- Best Patriotic Garden
