Community Garden

All Community Garden Content

Flooded Gardens

Soil from gardens that were recently flooded may not be safe for growing fruit and vegetables this summer. Depending on the location, flood waters may contain contaminants or disease-causing organisms.

A young girl with a snail-shaped watering can.

Ages & Stages in the Garden: Ages 6-8

A garden can be used to teach many concepts to a board range of ages. When working with early elementary youth you will want to consider characteristics of their development when planning lessons and activities.

several children next to a raised garden

Ages & Stages in the Garden: 4-5 year olds

If considering a garden-based learning program for four to five year-old it is important to understand some of their developmental characteristics prior to planning your program. Young children’s abilities will differ greatly from older youth.

produce growing in a collection of raised beds in a SDSU Extension community garden

Community Gardens

Community gardens, organized by SDSU Extension staff and community volunteers, bring fresh produce to many rural communities and designated food deserts across the state.

Community Gardens: Lease Agreements

Once the location of your community garden has been determined, it is suggested that you draft a lease agreement outlining the expectations and responsibilities of the community garden group and the landlord.

SDSU Extension welcomes new horticulture assistant at McCrory Gardens

November 08, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Sydney Trio as a new Horticulture Assistant based at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

fresh vegetables including onions, potatoes, lettuce and squash are shown piled on a counter

SDSU Extension to host short educational course on high tunnels

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a two-day High Tunnel Short Course on Oct. 16-17 at the Outdoor Campus – West in Rapid City.

A pair of hands transplanting a tomato seedling in a black, plastic pot.

Promoting Safe Community Gardening Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

October 20, 2021

SDSU Extension experts have established guidelines for community gardens to follow in order to promote the health and safety of local gardeners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A young native american man handing a customer a canvas bag.

Native American Gardens

Learn more about Native American community garden projects throughout South Dakota and access helpful resources with information on starting up Native American community garden projects.

Growing Your Own Food

Are you thinking about growing your own fresh vegetables this year, maybe for the first time? In addition to the satisfaction of providing fresh, nutritious and delicious produce for yourself and family or friends, many find working with plants and soil to be a great antidote for the worries and frustrations of the day.