Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

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.

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.

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.

Adult red earthworm, cabbage looper, and brown-belted bumble bee.

The Seen and Unseen World of Invertebrates and Vegetables: The good, the bad, and the cute

The seen and unseen worlds of invertebrates in our gardens offer an opportunity to understand how each organism plays a crucial role in the balance of our environment, whether they are good, bad, or even cute.

a man in a blue shirt with light brown hair and a light beard smiles at the camera

SDSU Extension welcomes new pesticide education specialist

October 12, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Stephen Robertson as a new Pesticide Education Field Specialist.

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.

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.