Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

Small, slender, tan bug on a green leaf

Damsel Bugs: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

It is important to remember that not all insects are pests. Damsel bugs are beneficial predators that feed on soft-bodied insects, including many agricultural and garden pests.

Left: Physiological leaf rolling. Right: C-shaped tomato leaves due to herbicide exposure.

Why Are My Tomato Leaves Curled Up?

Rolled up leaves on tomatoes are a common occurrence in South Dakota. From physiological responses to the environment to damaging herbicide exposure, learn about some of the common causes behind rolled tomato leaves.

Left: Black silage tarp spread out over a research plot. Right: Clear tarp spread out over a research plot.

What is Soil Tarping and Why is it Used?

Soil tarping is a technique that uses large tarps to cover a growing space in order to reduce weeds and improve soil health before planting. Learn some expert insights into two commonly used soil tarping strategies.

Squash vine borer moth on plant.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimate: June 21, 2023

Squash vine borer moths will soon emerge across much of South Dakota, and their larva can cause serious damage to squash plants. See our latest activity predictions and management recommendations based on forecasted conditions from around the state.

Left: Common asparagus beetle adult. Right: Twelve-spotted asparagus beetle adult.

Asparagus Beetles Active in South Dakota

Two insects that we recommend scouting for in asparagus are the common asparagus beetle and the twelve-spotted asparagus beetle. Learn how to identify and manage both before they cause serious issues in your garden.

Beetle with white elytra with black stripes. Head and thorax are orange. Thorax has two black spots present on it.

Three-Lined Potato Beetles Are Eating My Tomatillos!

Three-lined potato beetles can cause issues in tomatillos, ground cherries, potatoes, and tomato plants Learn how to identify and manage them before they impact your garden produce.

Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

South Dakota 4-H students take 2nd place at National Land & Homesite Judging Contest

June 22, 2023

South Dakota students had a strong showing at the National Land and Homesite Judging Contest last month, including a second-place finish for the Spink County 4-H team.

Patch of phlox with white, speckles throughout the leaves due to spider mite feeding.

Spider Mites on Garden Phlox

During warm, dry weather, spider mites are a common pest of phlox, causing speckling, bronzing, and yellowing on leaves due to feeding behavior. Learn how to identify and manage infestations before they impact your garden.

Many small, thin insects on a yellow background with a mechanical pencil tip for scale.

Invasion of the Western Flower Thrips

Recent southerly winds brought large numbers of western flower thrips to the eastern third of South Dakota. Learn how to identify and manage this pest before they become a problem in your yard and garden.

A monarch butterfly alights near a purple flower with trees, grass and a blue sky in the background

SDSU Extension, McCrory Gardens to host 2023 Garden Discovery Festival

May 15, 2023

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens are kicking off their summer programming with the 2023 Garden Discovery Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. CST on May 21 at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.