Garden & Yard Issues
Japanese Beetles in South Dakota
In the last 10 years, Japanese beetle populations have remained low to absent in my garden in Brookings. However, last week I observed large aggregations of beetles feeding on smartweed that was present in my rain garden. Japanese beetles can be problematic for gardens, flowers, and trees in residential areas.
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.
West Nile Virus Update: July 29, 2026
As of July 30, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West Nile Virus positive mosquito pools have been detected in Brown, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln, and Minnehaha counties in South Dakota.
Handling Herbicide Injury in Specialty Crops
Learn how to handle specialty crops that have inadvertently been affected by herbicides.
Garden Hour
Make the most of your garden and landscaping with weekly insights and ideas from our team of experts.
Problems and Solutions
Not finding the gardening or horticulture resource you need? Use the Ask Extension tool to submit your question.
Aster Yellows - Plant Pest on the Plains: How you can get involved in this important research
Aster yellows phytoplasma, best known as Aster Yellows disease or Onion Yellows disease, is commonly observed in purple coneflowers across the Great Plains. SDSU Extension is monitoring and modeling its distribution in the region, and you can help!
Community Garden Field Day @ Watertown
SDSU Extension will host a Community Garden Field Day on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CDT at the Foundation Field Community Garden (1800 3rd Ave. NW, Watertown, SD 57201).
Springtails Are Active in South Dakota
Recent reports of seemingly millions of very small insects moving around on driveways and around homes was the result of a springtail population boom. Springtails typically become a nuisance during drought conditions or saturating rains.
West Nile Virus Update: July 2, 2026
On June 15, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health released a press release that the first West Nile Virus positive pool of mosquitos was detected in Brown County. Although much of the state is still experiencing drought, recent heavy rains will promote already active mosquito populations.