Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

tall trees in the Black Hills

Tree Pest Alert

From seasonal issues and timely recommendations to disease diagnosis and expert advice, the Tree Pest Alert is a trusted resource for selecting, planting and caring for trees and shrubs all year round.

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.

Garden Hour

Join our experts to obtain timely information and ideas to get the most out of your garden and landscaping!

green tomato with a rotten spot showing blossom end rot

Problems and Solutions

Not finding the gardening or horticulture resource you need? Use the Ask Extension tool to submit your question.

Roughly oval shaped insect with a black head and upper body, and a brown and white pattern on its wings. The insect is on a green leaf and its thin mouthpart is piercing a round, white egg.

Minute Pirate Bug: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

Learn about minute pirate bugs, beneficial insects that feed on numerous arthropod pests of both garden and agricultural crops.

Color-coded map showing the spring 2022 first-leaf return interval. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Late Spring Bloom in 2022

In South Dakota, with temperatures cooler than average in 2022, the arrival of spring has been later than usual. Indicators like the first leaf or bloom of some common plants can be used to define the arrival of spring.

Top profile of an insect with an orange head and second body segment, and a shiny, almost iridescent black abdomen.

Ground Beetles: Predators That Provide Benefits in Agricultural Landscapes

For agroecosystems and gardens struggling with weeds and insect pests, ground beetles can be a beneficial predator. Learn the benefits they can bring to your landscape this growing season.

Pink beetle with black spots feeding on oblong, yellow eggs.

Pink Lady Beetles: Beneficial Predators in Urban and Agricultural Landscapes

There are numerous insect species that are beneficial to the gardens and farms. In this article, we will highlight a common insect predator known as the pink lady beetle, or spotted lady beetle.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: April 29, 2022

Squash vine borers can be a serious garden pest. If left unmanaged, their activity can cause a rapid decline in the health and productivity of zucchini, squash, pumpkins and other winter squash.

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.
May 24

Garden Hour Webinar

Join our experts each week to obtain timely information and ideas to get the most out of your garden and landscaping!

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.
May 31

Garden Hour Webinar

Join our experts each week to obtain timely information and ideas to get the most out of your garden and landscaping!