Fruit
All Fruit Content

Start Scouting for Striped Cucumber Beetles
Striped cucumber beetles are showing up in gardens across South Dakota. If large populations are present in a garden, they can cause severe injury to squash, cucumbers, melons and other cucurbits if left unmanaged.

Herbicide Damage to Fruits and Vegetables
Each year in early summer, many growers begin to notice distorted leaves on their fruits, vegetables, and crops. Most commonly the cause is a herbicide application to a nearby field.

Squash Vine Borers Ramping up in South Dakota
Last week squash vine borer moths were observed in South Dakota. For this reason, it is important to scout for the moths as well as eggs on the stems of zucchini, squash, pumpkins and related produce.

Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active
Squash vine borer moths have been observed in South Dakota gardens. Now that we know they are active, it is important to take steps to ensure that they don’t have a negative impact on our squash plants.

Organic Garden Mulches To Conserve Moisture and Prevent Weeds
If you want to reduce time spent in your vegetable and flower gardens watering or pulling weeds, consider mulching the soil surface with an organic material to improve plant health and your enjoyment of the garden.

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.

How Do I Keep Insects From Destroying My Garden Produce?
It is not unusual to see insects in a garden during the fall, but it can be frustrating to watch nearly ripe produce be destroyed by insects before it can be picked.

Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota
Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.

Starting a Commercial Vineyard in South Dakota
Are you thinking of starting your own vineyard? This publication provides a brief overview of the issues you need to consider in determining whether grape growing might be a good fit for you.

Vineyard Work Calendar
Monthly check list for vineyard work