Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

Solanum ptychanthum plant profile.

Understanding Eastern Black Nightshade: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners

Eastern black nightshade is a resilient invasive plant that can thrive in a variety of environments. This resource explores its genus, description, optimal growing conditions, propagation, fruiting period, and methods for safe removal.

Cucumber fruits showing symptoms of infection with Cucumber Mosaic Virus.

Understanding and Managing Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Cucumber mosaic virus can have devastating effects on members of the Cucurbit family, including cucumbers, squash, melons, pumpkins, and spinach. Learn how to identify and manage it before it takes a toll on your garden this growing season!

Young man shoveling a pile of compost.

Organic Gardening: Soil Management

Gardeners throughout South Dakota are experimenting with organic gardening. While the adoption of organic gardening methods can be daunting, learning some fundamental soil management concepts will set the foundations for success.

Hostas growing under filtered light beneath a tree.

Hosta: A Shade-loving Perennial

Hostas, known for their foliage and love of shade, have developed into a coveted landscaping staple. Learn how to select, plant and grow a hosta that's right for your garden or landscape!

A companion planting of kale, pole beans, and marigolds in a small garden plot.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Integrated pest management is an environmentally conscious approach to managing insects, weeds and disease. By focusing on natural processes, growers use pest control methods beginning with the least toxic and amplifying the pest control needs gradually if problems persist.

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.

Left: Lady beetle on red clover. Right: Cabbage looper on broccolini.

Friends and Foes of Brassica Crops

Brassica crops are a group of plants widely cultivated for their nutritional value and versatility in agriculture. Understanding their relationship with beneficial and detrimental insects is crucial for maintaining healthy crops and productive harvests.

Left: Squash bee adult. Right: Male long-horned bee.

Beneficial Pollinators: Squash Bees and Long-Horned Bees

South Dakota is home to more than 400 species of native bees. In this article, we will highlight the squash bee and the long-horned bee, two beneficial native pollinators.

A fly with a metallic body, long legs, and clear wings with smoky markings.

Flying Gems: Long-Legged Flies

Whether scouting for pests in crops or in a garden, chances are you’ve encountered a long-legged fly. These insects provide essential biocontrol of many insect pests and should be encouraged in the landscape.

A black and yellow striped fly with large red eyes resting on a flower. The fly is covered in yellow pollen.

It’s a Bee! It’s a Wasp! No, It’s a Hover Fly!

Many types of insects are responsible for some degree of pollination in landscapes. In this article, we will focus on the syrphid fly as both an important pollinator and a beneficial insect predator.