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Raised bed garden container.

Gardening in Raised Bed and Containers in the Northern Great Plains

Fact sheet for anyone interested in gardening in raised beds or containers, especially those that may have limited space or of various physical abilities.

Left: Squash bee adult. Right: Male long-horned bee.

Beneficial Pollinators: Squash Bees and Long-Horned Bees

South Dakota is home to more than 400 species of native bees. In this article, we will highlight the squash bee and the long-horned bee, two beneficial native pollinators.

Hand holding herbicide sprayer over vegetable garden.

Organic Herbicides: Garden and Flower Bed Weed Control

Many South Dakota homeowners do not want to use inorganic or synthetic herbicides due to potential health impacts. Organic herbicides can be a useful tool for weed control when combined with other management practices.

Orange beetle with black markings on an orange flower.

Soldier Beetles Visiting Flowers

Flowers in many gardens are currently being visited by soldier beetles. While these orange beetles have a strong preference for flowering plants, they are predators and pollinators and don’t pose a threat to your garden.

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.

Oscillating sprinkler, soaker hose and button drip emitter.

Options for Watering Home Gardens and Landscape Plantings

Ensuring that your garden plants receive adequate water throughout the growing season does not have to be overwhelming. There are a variety of water management options available to make the process easier.

Two dandelions side by side. The left has a bee foraging on it. The right has a hover fly foraging on it..

Should I Get Rid Of My Dandelions?

While there is much appeal to having a lawn that is free of other plants, there can be benefits. Some weeds that are sprayed out of lawns, including dandelions, can serve as early-season food sources for pollinators.

Colorful variety of red and yellow tulips in full bloom.

Tulips Bring Early-Season Color to the Garden Each Year

Nothing says “spring is here” quite like the annual tulip bloom! Late April and early May are great times to enjoy a wide pallet of colors and textures presented by over 100 known species of garden tulips.

Young woman watering a drought-stressed flower garden.

Gardening Tips During a Drought

Drought conditions present challenges for gardeners, but it's still possible to grow things by modifying gardening techniques to keep established plants growing and provide a good environment for new plants.

Orange beetle with black markings on an orange flower

Orange Beetles Are Killing My Flowers, or Are They?

Many gardens are being invaded by orange beetles that have a strong preference for flowering plants. Rest assured, these are soldier beetles and they aren’t feeding on the flowers! Instead, they are actually predators and pollinators.