Garden & Yard Issues
All Garden & Yard Issues Content
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Should I Get Rid Of My Dandelions?
While there is much appeal to having a lawn that is free of other plants, there can be benefits. Some weeds that are sprayed out of lawns, including dandelions, can serve as early-season food sources for pollinators.
Tiger Beetles: Beneficial Predators and Ecosystem Health Indicators
Tiger beetles are generalist predators, meaning they prey on a wide variety of pests. Observing them in a landscape is a great sign that an ecosystem is healthy and supporting both prey and predators.
Why Those Dandelions in Your Yard Aren’t So Bad
While research has shown that pollinators, specifically honey bees, can’t survive on dandelion pollen alone, this doesn’t mean that the dandelions aren’t still important for pollinators.
Ground Beetles: Predators That Provide Benefits in Agricultural Landscapes
For agroecosystems and gardens struggling with weeds and insect pests, ground beetles can be a beneficial predator. Learn the benefits they can bring to your landscape this growing season.
Late-Season Lawn Care in South Dakota
Good late-season management will enhance lawn quality for the remainder of this year and set up the lawn to come out of the spring with improved density, color and fewer weed issues next year.