Plant

Dealing With Flea Beetles

Flea beetles are a common pest in South Dakota vegetable gardens.

Spotted Wing Fruit Fly Damaging Fruit Crops

The spotted wing fruit fly is a new pest problem that originated in Asia and was only first identified here in the United States in California in 2008. It was first seen in South Dakota in 2013.

It's Cold! How Can Our Plants Trees and Shrubs Withstand It?

The Northern Great Plains have experienced colder than normal weather over first few weeks of December. Cold temperatures certainly do affect our plants but there are some important differences.

Growing Vegetables in Tubs

You can grow lots of vegetables in plastic container gardens. The important things to remember are using a good growing medium and keeping enough water on the plants as they get larger.

Ash Tree Issues

Ash flower galls are appearing on the twigs of ash throughout the state. The brown to black “balls” hang in clusters beneath the branch shoots. The galls are due to the feeding activity of the ash flower gall mite (Eriophyes fraxiniflora) and this mite only feeds on the male flowers of ash.

Aphids On Trees

Aphids are appearing on many trees at this time of year and their activity is generally noticed by the abundance of honeydew they excrete on the lower leaves and any plants or objects beneath the tree.

Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a medium-sized tree that will fit into many landscapes and provide interest all year with its bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and even great fall color, if weather conditions are right.

Propagating Houseplants

The long winter finally seems to be loosening its grip and allowing for some warmer weather to move in, melt the snow and warm a gardener’s heart in anticipation of what might be grown this year. But, it will still be a few weeks before we can start doing much gardening outside. We are nearing the time to start those tomato, pepper and other vegetable seeds but it’s better to wait a little longer yet, instead of jumping the gun and ending up with overgrown transplants at planting time.

How to Prevent Iron Deficiency in Spring Greenhouse Plants

At this time in the growing season, Iron (Fe) deficiency symptoms are appearing among bedding plants and other spring greenhouse plants. The main symptom of Iron (Fe) deficiency is Chlorosis or yellowing, usually starting at the shoot tip and newly developed leaves.

Check Your Houseplants for Pests

Houseplants are susceptible to a variety of pests. The following article outlines some of the more common household pests, including: spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. We will discuss strategies for scouting out and managing these pests to avoid prolonged damage to your houseplants.