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Bull thistle, Canada thistle, and absinth wormwood emerging in early spring.

Noxious Weeds Have Germinated in East River South Dakota

Seasonal conditions have been favorable for weed germination, including biennial thistle, Canada thistle, and absinth wormwood. Learn some tips for scouting, identifying, and managing these noxious weeds before they become a problem.

fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds

Fire Blight

Fire blight is a disease that can infect apples, pears, and certain ornamental species including crabapples, cotoneaster, and mountain ash. Occasionally it may also appear on cherries, plums, Juneberry (also called Serviceberry or Saskatoon), and raspberry. This disease, caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora, can damage blossoms, fruit, leaves, shoots, and branches. If it is not controlled, fire blight may kill the entire tree or shrub. Infected tissue cannot be cured, but will need to be removed from the tree to prevent further spread.

Clover pathways after being mowed with sunsetting in the background.

Broccolini Performance in Three Established Clover Living Mulches in Eastern South Dakota: Year Two Results

Research report determining the impact of three established clover species on weed suppression, crop growth, and broccolini yield in year two.

Early germinating rosettes of common mullein and houndstongue.

Common Mullein and Houndstongue Have Germinated in the Black Hills and Surrounding Areas West River

Two biennial species, common mullein and houndstongue, have germinated and begun to grow in the Black Hills. Now is the time to scout and determine where areas need attention to manage these species and other weeds.

Large, green dandelion floret growing in a yard.

Spring Dandelion Control

If dandelions are present on your property this spring, an herbicide application may be worthwhile, because it can kill above-ground growth, meaning a reduced likelihood for seed production that will worsen problem.

black, clear and white tarps covering the middle and compost mounded around the edges with wooden pallets on top

South Dakota Vegetable Grower Experiences with Soil Tarping and Solarization during the 2024 Field Season

Research report on South Dakota vegetable grower experiences with soil tarping and solarization during the 2024 season

Growing Sweet Corn in South Dakota

Sweet corn is a delicious vegetable enjoyed by both kids and adults. It is popular in the mid-to-late summer and is often bought at stands on street corners and grocery stores throughout small towns in South Dakota. What many people don’t know, however, is that sweet corn is a remarkably easy vegetable to grow yourself. All you need are a few essential materials and some basic knowledge to grow your own delicious sweet corn.