Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.

SDSU Extension 2024 Garden Hour webinar series starts May 7

May 02, 2024

The fourth season of South Dakota State University Extension’s popular Garden Hour webinar series starts May 7, 2024.

Gardener holding a handful of healthy soil.

Learn about your backyard’s natural resources with SDSU Extension

May 01, 2024

Lawn and garden enthusiasts are invited to attend Backyard Natural Resources, a new four-part webinar series from South Dakota State University Extension.

A dark bodied insect with large wings and red eyes sitting on a tree twig. There are green leaves behind it and many tan insect shells.

I heard cicadas are having a big year. Are they coming to South Dakota?

Cicadas are making headlines—specifically the periodical cicadas in Brood XIII and Brood XIX. Both both broods are in the Midwest and are geographically close together. Find out where you can expect to see them this spring.

Two young women with watering devices inspecting a variety of houseplants.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Houseplant How-To

Trying to figure out houseplant problems can feel daunting, but by exploring some common issues, you’ll be able to solve many problems. Learn some expert tips for getting started in this "Houseplant How-To" article.

Last Spring Frost Dates

Knowing the historical last spring frost dates for your area helps growers avoid the risk of frost damage for above-ground vegetation, whether it's for agriculture or horticulture.

Two children work in a garden bed while off to the right a women speaks to a small group of children

Apply now for the SDSU Extension Master Gardener and Home Horticulture course

February 12, 2024

Applications are now being accepted for the South Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener and Home Horticulture training course. Applications are due March 10, 2024.

Alternaria leaf spot symptoms appearing as brown, haloed cankers throughout the leaves of a cucurbit plant.

Cucurbit Diseases in South Dakota

Cucurbit crops grown in both the field and in high tunnels face disease pressure from many fungal and bacterial diseases. Learn how to identify and manage some of the most common ones.

Color-coded map of South Dakota’s plant hardiness zones.

2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

Winter and spring are a great time for planning new garden and landscape designs. Learn how recent updates to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones may have South Dakota gardeners feeling extra adventurous when selecting new plants for their gardens this season!

Head of garlic with discoloration due to Embellisia Skin Blotch.

Embellisia Skin Blotch of Garlic

Have you noticed irregular, dark areas on the outer scales of your garlic bulbs? It's possible it might have Embellisia skin blotch, a fungal disease that can develop during periods of high summer moisture.

a picture large purple flowers with yellow centers surrounded by dead leaves and grey landscaping rocks.

Landscaping Best Practices for Pollinators and Beyond

Our yards are all part of a greater ecosystem. By incorporating some best practices into your landscaping routine, your yard can develop healthier soil, support more pollinators, and reduce the need for pest control.