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Getting the Garden Growing

Introductory gardening lesson where youth will learn what plants need to grow and what fruits and vegetables grow in different seasons in South Dakota.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 18, 2022

Degree day accumulations continue to approach the peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots. See our latest management recommendations based on this activity.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 18, 2022

At this point in the season, no scouting is necessary for common stalk borers, but many areas of the state are reaching the point where weeds along field edges should not be managed for the time being.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 18, 2022

At this point in the season, all alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly to ensure that large populations of alfalfa weevils do not cause excessive defoliation.

Color-coded map showing the spring 2022 first-leaf return interval. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Late Spring Bloom in 2022

In South Dakota, with temperatures cooler than average in 2022, the arrival of spring has been later than usual. Indicators like the first leaf or bloom of some common plants can be used to define the arrival of spring.

Roughly oval shaped insect with a black head and upper body, and a brown and white pattern on its wings. The insect is on a green leaf and its thin mouthpart is piercing a round, white egg.

Minute Pirate Bug: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

Learn about minute pirate bugs, beneficial insects that feed on numerous arthropod pests of both garden and agricultural crops.

large multi-row sprayer adding chemicals to a field

Early Season Insecticide Applications in Wheat

Many wheat producers in South Dakota have adopted more intensive management practices in the last few years, including an early season application of fungicide and, in some cases, insecticide.

A pair of brown moths with light markings present on their wings.

Army Cutworms Beginning To Take Flight

Army cutworm moths were collected in a black light trap near Sturgis this week. This is an indicator that army cutworm caterpillars have finished feeding on available vegetation.

Pete Bauman speaking during a controlled burn workshop.

SDSU Extension Field Specialist Named Wildlife Professional of the Year

May 25, 2022

Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, received the Wildlife Professional of the Year award from the South Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its annual meeting held March 3, 2022.

Melons: How to Grow It

Melons can take quite a bit of garden space throughout the summer, but they reward gardeners with sweet, juicy flavor! Learn how to select, plant and grow them today!