Garden soil

All Garden soil Content

A soil coring device that has been pounded into ground. Next to it are trimmed samples in rings used to measure soil bulk density.

Bulk Density is an Indicator of Soil Health

Bulk density is a commonly measured soil property that can indicate how compacted a soil is and can be used to calculate the percent pore space in the soil.

Gardener holding a handful of healthy soil.

Soil Health and Why it Matters

Investing in soil health will benefit your garden or farm for generations to come. Learn how to actively manage the physical, chemical, and biological properties of your soil to optimize its long-term health.

Using Compost in Raised Beds and Containers

Compost is often mixed with soil to create a more-fertile growing media, as well as to increase the ability of the soil to hold both air and water. Learn some expert tips for using it in raised beds!

Red, White x Kura, and Dutch White clover crops.

Integrating Clover Cover Crops for Pepper and Broccoli Production

South Dakota gardeners and specialty crop producers have expressed a need for cover crop research. Learn about a recent research project investigating clover cover crop integration for pepper and broccoli production.

Row of pepper plants growing among a bed of white clovers.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Pepper Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for pepper production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

Several rows of broccoli plants with varying planting treatments.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Broccoli Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for broccoli production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

Gardener in red rain boots standing in a wet yard.

Preparing and Planting a Garden in a Cold, Wet Spring

Wet, cool springs present ideal conditions for soil and plant issues. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing some of the most-common problems in soggy gardens.

Gardener deeply watering a vegetable garden in the early morning.

Protecting Plants From Heat Stress

When summer temperatures soar with no sign of a break, it is hard on humans and plants. Learn some tips that will help protect plants from heat stress, including soil protection, watering considerations and providing shade.

Green leaves emerge from the soil as old brown stems are falling over in a garden covered in brown leaves.

Spring Garden Maintenance

With a little planning and foresight, spring garden preparation can be a manageable task that allows you to enjoy working outside while waiting on warmer days for planting.

Young tomato plants surrounded by organic mulch in a no-till garden.

Weed Control in No-Till Gardens

Mulch is the key to successful weed control in no-till gardening. It is best to start a no-till garden in the fall to give applied mulch the time to breakdown and suppress any weed growth.