Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

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.

Glory of the Snow, Daffodil, and Allium blooming in three gardens.

SDSU Extension launching 2023 Garden Hour webinars in May

April 26, 2023

SDSU Extension’s 2023 weekly Garden Hour series will debut May 2.

Patch of broadleaf weeds growing in a spring lawn.

Considerations for Weed Control in Lawns

A weed-free lawn requires continuous maintenance year-round. From mowing considerations to herbicide applications, learn some expert tips for getting your lawn off to a great start this spring!

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.