Garden soil

All Garden soil Content

Gardener holding a tub of used coffee grounds in a garden.

Spent Coffee Grounds: Fertilizer or Not?

Should you put used coffee grounds in your compost pile? How about on your garden, or in your raised bed?

Completed black soldier fly rearing bin sitting on a worktable.

Insect Bioconversion: How to Compost With Black Soldier Flies

Much like composting, black soldier flies can be used in a rearing container to convert organic matter into nutrient-rich food, which can then be used in your garden. Learn how to construct a rearing container with this step-by-step guide!

Gardening in Raised Bed and Containers in the Northern Great Plains

Fact sheet for anyone interested in gardening in raised beds or containers, especially those that may have limited space or of various physical abilities.

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.

Wicker basket full of raw sheep’s wool sitting on a lawn.

Wool: A Natural Bio-Enhancement for Gardens

Sheep's wool has been seeing increased use in gardens as mulch or a soil additive due to its numerous benefits. Learn how wool can help your plants and garden thrive this gardening season!

Gardener holding a handful of healthy soil.

Learn about your backyard’s natural resources with SDSU Extension

May 01, 2024

Lawn and garden enthusiasts are invited to attend Backyard Natural Resources, a new four-part webinar series from South Dakota State University Extension.

A dark bodied insect with large wings and red eyes sitting on a tree twig. There are green leaves behind it and many tan insect shells.

I heard cicadas are having a big year. Are they coming to South Dakota?

Cicadas are making headlines—specifically the periodical cicadas in Brood XIII and Brood XIX. Both both broods are in the Midwest and are geographically close together. Find out where you can expect to see them this spring.

Various chemical symbols for common nutrients found in garden soil over a selection of young plants emerging from garden soil.

Interpreting Soil Tests for Gardening

There are many different chemicals that make up plants. These chemicals include hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, and chlorine.

A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables displayed on a countertop.

Eat What You Grow

Youth will learn the different parts of plants that we eat, and how to use drying and freezing techniques to preserve foods for later use.

A group of children observing a bed of garden soil with a teacher.

Stupendous Soils

Lesson for youth to discover the characteristics of different soil types and how to make compost.