Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

Bacterial soft rot on tomato fruit.

Bacterial Soft Rot

Bacterial soft rot is a common disease that can occur in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Learn how to identify and manage it before it impacts your harvest.

Four green caterpillars feeding on a leaf of green kale.

What’s chewing on my kale?

Cabbage white caterpillars can be a nuisance in kale and other cold crops, leaving behind ragged-looking leaves and a significant amount of droppings. Learn some expert tips for identifying and manage them before they take a bite out of your harvest.

Pepper plant with frost injury.

Fall Frost Tolerance of Common Vegetables

Vegetables vary widely in how much cold they can tolerate as they reach maturity. Learn which ones can tolerate light and heavy frosts and which ones can't.

Several small, light colored grasshopper nymphs feeding on green leaves plants. The leaves of the plants have small holes in them.

Grasshoppers Causing Headaches in South Dakota Gardens

Grasshopper populations are causing extensive defoliation around yards and gardens in our region this summer. Learn some important considerations for scouting populations and applying insecticides if needed.

Striped cucumber beetle and spotted cucumber beetle.

Striped Cucumber Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

South Dakota is home to two species of cucumber beetles that can cause severe injury to cucurbits, including squash, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins. Learn how to detect and manage both beetles before they impact your harvest.

Squash vine borer moth on plant.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimate: June 16, 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.

Brown slug on a green leaf leaving behind a whitish trail of slime.

Slugs: The Slimy Defoliators

Have you noticed defoliation in your garden accompanied by distinct trails on plant leaves? The culprit could be slugs, a common pest that can be found during during cool, wet weather and in certain garden micro-climates.

a green melon hangs on a trellis

SDSU Extension to host Corn and Melon Disease Workshop at SDSU Southeast Research Farm

August 08, 2023

Field corn, sweet corn and specialty melon growers looking to learn more about identifying and managing common diseases in their crops are invited to attend the South Dakota State University Extension Corn and Melon Disease Workshop.

Three plants with tobacco rattle virus symptoms.

Tobacco Rattle Virus

Tobacco rattle virus is a common ornamental and vegetable virus characterized by ringspots on leaves. Learn what causes it, how to recognize symptoms, and how to prevent it from spreading in your garden.

Cluster of white to tan mushrooms emerging on lawn.

Managing Mushroom Growth in Home Lawns

While mushrooms can be fascinating to observe, their presence in your yard may indicate underlying issues that require attention. Learn some tips on how to effectively get rid of them and maintain a healthy, mushroom-free lawn.