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Scout for Tan Spot in Winter Wheat
Tan spot was observed in a few winter wheat fields scouted recently. It is important to scout winter wheat for tan spot and other early diseases developing before deciding to apply an early-season fungicide tank mixed with herbicide.
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 to having some early-season diversity. Some weeds that are sprayed out of lawns, including dandelions, can serve as early-season food sources for pollinators.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 20, 2021
This week we accumulated degree days for alfalfa weevils at a rapid rate. As a result, we observed many areas of the state potentially move through more than one larval life stage.
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 20, 2021
Warmer weather is finally here. Although we have accumulated quite a few degree days for common stalk borers, nowhere in the state has reached accumulation levels for common stalk borer caterpillar movement into corn fields.
Cabbage White Butterflies Are Here!
Keep an eye out for cabbage white butterflies in your garden. These butterflies lay eggs on the underside of the vegetable leaves. Once the eggs hatch, their caterpillars feed on cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, turnips and radishes.
Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 20, 2021
Seedcorn maggots can be an early-season pest of corn and soybean in South Dakota, typically affecting crops that are emerging or have recently emerged. Seedcorn maggots can cause direct loss by destroying planted seeds.
Wireworms in the Garden
With warming soil temperatures, overwintering wireworms have become active throughout South Dakota. Wireworms are soil-dwelling insects that can be pests of germinating seeds, seedlings and root crops.
2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
Winter and spring are a great time for planning new garden and landscape designs. Learn how recent updates to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones may have South Dakota gardeners feeling extra adventurous when selecting new plants for their gardens this season!
Beets: How to Grow It
Beets are commonly grown for their bulbous roots, but their tops can also be harvested for greens, and they are an excellent source of Vitamin A as well as calcium. They grow best in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall.
Summer Squash: How to Grow It
There are many types of summer squash, including the familiar zucchini (which can be green, green-striped, or yellow), crookneck, straightneck, patty pan and more.