Horticulture Research

All Horticulture Research Content

a person holding a ruler into a pile of wool.

Investigating the Use of Raw and Pelleted Wool as an Alternative Mulch for Vegetable Production

This publication reviews a recent research study investigating the effects of wool as an alternative mulching option for pepper production.

A grove of white flowers with yellow centers

McCrory Gardens Trial Report aids in flower selection

April 30, 2026

The McCrory Gardens Trial Report, issued annually by SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens, helps South Dakotans choose flower varieties that do well in local conditions.

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens Trial Report

Learn about annual and perennial flowers that are well-suited for South Dakota gardens based on eastern South Dakota research trials.

Horticulture research plot with rows of tarp-covered crops and living mulch between them.

Research Report: Warm-Season Living Mulch Impacts on Cucumber Yield and Disease Symptoms

A 2025 trial in Brookings, South Dakota aimed to detect the influences of various warm-season cover crop living mulches on pest pressure in tomatoes and cucumbers and the interactions between both grafted and nongrafted tomatoes and cucumbers and the living mulch.

A woman with brown hair in a braid wearing a grey T-Shirt with an SDSU Extension logo stands in the middle of a group of people at a construction site

Educational high tunnel videos now available from SDSU Extension

March 16, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is continuing its efforts to educate specialty crop producers on high tunnel assembly, management and cropping innovations with a new educational video series.

A girl with a blonde ponytail, wearing a grey T-shirt with the SDSU logo and jeans holds a microphone standing next to vegetable plots

SDSU provides updated recommendations on soil tarping

March 04, 2026

South Dakota State University has published new recommendations on soil tarping that can help producers manage weeds.

variety of flowers growing in a yard

Flowers & Ornamental

Everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of flowers and ornamental plants with some simple recommendations.

Rows of sweet corn growing among clover mulch in a research plot.

Organic Sweet Corn Production in Clover Living Mulch Systems: 2-Year Research Summary

Research in 2024 and 2025 in a USDA certified organic field at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm explored growing sweet corn in three types of clover grown as a living mulch.

rows of leafy vegetables growing in a raised bed

Vegetables

Whether you are a beginner or have a green thumb, our tips will help your garden flourish.

A sign directs drivers to an SDSU Extension field day

SDSU Extension hosts 5th annual Specialty Crop Field Day

July 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce its fifth annual Specialty Crop Field Day at the SDSU campus in Brookings.