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All Plant Content
Invasive Garden Plants: Is That a Weed?
While we generally consider invasive plants like crabgrass, dandelions, and purslane as weeds, just about any plant can be considered a weed when it's in the wrong location.
Snailcase Bagworms in South Dakota
A unique insect that has been observed in South Dakota is the snailcase bagworm. Snailcase bagworms are wingless moths that spend their entire life in spiral-shaped “snail” cases, which they build around themselves using a combination of silk, soil particles and fecal matter.
Harvesting Cucumbers
Cucumbers fresh from the garden are a summer treat! Harvesting them frequently not only helps keep the plant producing new fruit, but it also helps ensure that you are picking them at their optimal flavor and tenderness.
Leaf Scorch and Sunscald in the Garden
Long stretches of hot, dry weather will upset the growing habits of all plants and will lead to some unusual symptoms on leaves and produce in the garden. July and August are a prime time to watch for leaf scorch and sunscald.
Herbicide Damage to Fruits and Vegetables
Each year in early summer, many growers begin to notice distorted leaves on their fruits, vegetables, and crops. Most commonly the cause is a herbicide application to a nearby field.
How to Plant Potted Perennials in the Garden
Herbaceous perennial plants have long been the mainstay of most gardens. Whether you are starting a new perennial garden or adding a few plants to an existing garden, planning and proper planting techniques are key.
Enjoy More Flowers in Your Garden by Deadheading Regularly
Deadheading is a simple activity that removes the faded or spent blooms from plants to encourage more flowers. While almost all annuals benefit from deadheading, there are also a few perennials that will bloom for a second or even third time if deadheaded.
Earwigs Are Active
Although earwigs typically prefer wet conditions, quite a few have been observed so far this year. It’s important to remember that watering lawns or potted plants around the house provides ideal earwig habitat.
Bronzed Cutworms Are Active
Bronzed cutworms can damage turf by clipping blades of grass close to the soil surface. Feeding by bronzed cutworms in lawns will result in small, brown circular patches, and large populations can result in extensive lawn injury.
Organic Garden Mulches To Conserve Moisture and Prevent Weeds
If you want to reduce time spent in your vegetable and flower gardens watering or pulling weeds, consider mulching the soil surface with an organic material to improve plant health and your enjoyment of the garden.