Plant

All Plant Content

plastic container with lid removed. several earwigs are floating in the oil inside.

Earwigs in the Garden: Less-Toxic Control Alternative

Since earwigs provide some ecological service as natural enemies, I hesitate to recommend a pesticide application to control it. As an alternative least-toxic solution, bait trapping the earwigs should work to reduce the insect’s population to the non-threatening levels.

fruiting mulberry tree branch

Mulberry Trees

Every year about this time I received a few samples of mulberry trees. This is a very common tree in South Dakota, not so much from being planted by people but from birds.

white fly sitting on a green plant leaf

Biological Control of Pests in High Tunnels

Major insect and mite pests in high tunnels include aphids, thrips, white flies, and spider mites. Biological control uses living organisms (natural enemies) to suppress or limit pest populations to levels that do not cause economic injury to the crop.

plant seeds in moisture-proof foil bags stored in bins on a shelf

Healthy Seeds Make Healthy Plants

Saving seeds is a fun and economical way to produce plants for the next year. There are concerns however when saving seeds about seed-borne diseases.

a maple tree with green leaves. the leaves are noticeably thinner near the top of the tree.

Maple Trees Looking Thin at This Time

Many of our maple trees are looking thinner at the tips of their canopies. The foliage in the lower, interior of these trees is dense, but when you look up at the tops, the leaves appear fewer and there are noticeable gaps at the base of the new shoot.

a lush, green grape vine with clusters of dark, purple grapes

Grapes for Your Garden

Grapes in the Dakotas? Given an appropriate growing site and care, grape vines can last for decades or more in our climate thanks to the efforts of grape breeders over the past thirty years.

rows of garden peas with mulch in between and a small, wooden windbreak in the background

Garden Peas

Peas are one of the first vegetables to be planted in the spring, as they enjoy cooler weather.

group of four lilac bushes with white flowers

Lilacs Are Looking Good This Spring

Lilacs are one of those plants whose lovely flower clusters and sweet fragrance are anticipated by gardeners in many parts of the world, but especially in the colder regions of the United States, Europe and Asia.

hand holding three green apples with a dimpled, lumpy appearance

Apple Issues

Learn to identify and manage common apple tree issues including: apple maggot injury, apple scab, cedar apple rust, and fruit cracking.

several deep purple to green asparagus spears emerging from garden soil

Asparagus is In-Season

Asparagus is a favorite vegetable of many people who cultivate it in their gardens.