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![A community garden plot with several tomato plants growing.](/sites/default/files/2018-12/W-M9886-01-falls-park-community-garden.jpg)
Community Gardens: Garden Rules - Operational Guidelines
When developing garden rules or participate guidelines it is important to address activities related to the operations of the garden. Clearly state that gardeners are expected to maintain their plot for the entire season and list the dates of the season during which they are responsible.
![Woman preparing fresh herbs for canning in glass jars.](/sites/default/files/2022-08/W-01474-01-Food-Preservation-Canning-Jars-Herbs.jpg)
SDSU Extension offers training on updated Cottage Food Laws
October 23, 2023
South Dakota State University is providing training for food processors who would like to sell food products from their homes following updates to the state’s cottage food laws earlier this year.
![freshly harvested leafy greens](/sites/default/files/2019-04/W-M8333-00-leafy-greens-harvest-safety.jpg)
Best Practices When Harvesting Leafy Greens for Market and Home
The harvesting of leafy greens to maintain quality and safety focuses on the key risk factors from the time harvest begins to selling at market. The food safety risk factors involve temperature, time, water, worker hygienic practices, and food contact surfaces.
![woman wearing gloves preparing servings of vegetables. USDA Photo Courtesy of Bob Nichols.](/sites/default/files/2019-04/W-M9274-00-gloves-serving-food-safety-handling.jpg)
Disposable Gloves: Guidelines for Food Handlers
Improper handling of food and poor personal hygiene by food handlers are leading causes of foodborne illness. Disposable gloves do not take the place of good hygiene and proper hand-washing.
![Several cans of homemade salsa sitting on a table.](/sites/default/files/2019-04/W-M10820-00-tomatoes-canned-canning-salsa.jpg)
Canning Tomato-Vegetable Mixtures
Tomatoes are unique when it comes to home canning recipes. Some tomato and vegetable recipes recommend using a boiling water bath canner, some recipes recommend a pressure canner, and some recipes offer both options.
![A healthy, growing soybean field. Farmyard in the background.](/sites/default/files/2019-05/W-00202-00-soybean-field-research-on-farm.jpg)
Soybean Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Program
We want you! SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council are seeking South Dakota Soybean Growers willing to participate in a farmer-led on-farm research program.
Founding a Farmers Market: Form a Planning Team
The first step to forming a new farmers market is to form a planning team. Keep the team small enough so that it is simple, small and manageable.
![an image of a field of soybeans](/sites/default/files/2019-02/W-M11479-01.jpg)
Soybean Production: Cost-effective pest management practices
Chemicals were one of the most expensive individual costs in soybean production, behind only to seed in the non-land cost category. The average cash-rent soybean production farms incurred a crop chemical cost of $39/ac in 2015, an 88% increase from 2010.
![](/sites/default/files/2019-02/W-M9848-01-water.jpg)
Community Gardens: Budget & Fees
In order to have a sustainable project, it is very important to identify all of the expenses that are involved in the operation of your community garden. Are there costs associated with utilizing the site, site preparation (tilling, plowing, soil testing, or soil amendments), on-site resources (hose, fencing, or shared tools), marketing the garden, water usage, or insurance?