Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content
Dense swarm of mosquitoes in the evening sky

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.

Tulip plant with ice crystals on foliage due to frost.

Frost and Freeze Impacts on Plants

Farmers and gardeners often use the terms frost and freeze interchangeably, but the two are not the same. Understanding these differences, along with the ways frost and freeze impact spring planting, can help protect farms and gardens.

Gardeners browsing a tablet computer while visiting a garden center.

SDSU Extension adds staff to 2026 Garden Hotline

June 09, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension has added seasonal staff to serve its Garden Hotline during the 2026 growing season.

Cleaned, emptied pesticide containers on a concrete workshop floor.

South Dakota Pesticide Container Recycling

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is again offering pesticide container recycling services across the state. View a complete list of 2026 dates and locations.

External and internal ring rot symptoms on two potato samples.

Bacterial Ring Rot: Yet another devastating disease of potato

Ring rot is primarily a disease of stored tubers and seed potatoes, where it produces black or brown lines just below the surface of the potato.

A country garden with four raised garden beds.

New season of SDSU Extension Garden Hour starts May 5

April 23, 2026

The latest season of Garden Hour, South Dakota State University Extension’s popular webinar series for gardeners, will start on May 5, 2026.

Early spring lawn with noticeable weed growth.

Organic Herbicides for Lawns

Organic herbicides are becoming more common on the market due to the perception that these products as safer towards humans, pets, and the environment. For those interested in these products, there are several factors to consider.

Ants on a sidewalk next to some green grass.

Ants Preparing for Another Busy Year

A wet growing season last year combined with a mild winter has boosted ant activity across the state, and we have already received numerous questions from both curious and concerned residents in South Dakota.

A home with ample defensible space throughout the property.

Protecting Your Home and Landscape Against Wildfires

Wildfires pose a significant risk in western South Dakota, particularly within the Black Hills region, where periods of minimal precipitation can lead to drought conditions that elevate fire risk.

Two pictures of green grass demonstrating their physical differences.

Preemergence Crabgrass Herbicide Decisions

The optimal application window for preemergence herbicides to manage crabgrass in turf is normally during April, and earlier in the month during warmer years.