Vegetable

All Vegetable Content

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active

Squash vine borer moths have been observed in South Dakota gardens. Now that we know they are active, it is important to take steps to ensure that they don’t have a negative impact on our squash plants.

Green caterpillar with prolegs at the end of its body that form “V” shape.

Diamondback Moth Caterpillars Active In South Dakota

Diamondback moth caterpillars have been observed in South Dakota gardens. These pests feed primarily on cole crops, such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, leaving behind irregular-shaped holes.

Garden plant surrounded by a layer of wood chip mulch.

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.

Oscillating sprinkler, soaker hose and button drip emitter.

Options for Watering Home Gardens and Landscape Plantings

Ensuring that your garden plants receive adequate water throughout the growing season does not have to be overwhelming. There are a variety of water management options available to make the process easier.

Yellow wireworm on an orange sweet potato.

Wireworms in the Garden

With warming soil temperatures, overwintering wireworms have become active throughout South Dakota. Wireworms are soil-dwelling insects that can be pests of germinating seeds, seedlings and root crops.

White butterfly with black markings on wings, resting on a green leaf.

Cabbage White Butterflies Are Here!

Keep an eye out for cabbage white butterflies in your garden. These butterflies lay eggs on the underside of the vegetable leaves. Once the eggs hatch, their caterpillars feed on cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, turnips and radishes.