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Grasshoppers in Gardens
Due to large populations and dry conditions, grasshoppers are moving into gardens and feeding on whatever they can find. In a normal year, grasshoppers can be a nuisance in a garden, but during an outbreak year, they can present a real threat to gardens, shrubs and small trees.
Garden and Yard Problems Solved: How to Submit Photos and Samples to Our Experts
Garden and lawn issues can sometimes be diagnosed by simply looking at a photo. Photos give our Extension experts a place to start, and providing them with the best possible photo can help the process.
Perennial Ground Covers for Sunny Gardens
Do you have any large areas of bare soil in the garden, or perhaps a location that is difficult to mow? Consider planting perennial ground covers to fill in extra space in your sunny location!
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.