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Content by David Graper

ripe and unripe tomatoes tipping a cage over

Wet Weather Leads to Tomato Problems

Most of the questions that have been coming in lately, and also earlier this summer, relate to tomato problems. Despite early predictions that this summer was going to be dry, many areas have received above average rainfall with many parts of South Dakota far exceeding typical rainfall amounts in the month of August. Many gardeners received 5 to 8” of rain or more in the first three weeks of August alone.

a close up of buckthorn berries

Woody Weeds: Common Buckthorn

When considering weed control in tree plantings, the focus is generally placed on the control of herbaceous vegetation (grasses and forbs), particularly during the establishment phase. This focus is appropriate since control of herbaceous weeds is generally critical to establish a successful planting. As these plantings mature, providing perching sites for birds, another weed problem develops – the establishment of competing woody vegetation. These woody weeds are often left unchecked for many years because they look “natural” in a windbreak or other area of trees.

Patch of phlox with white, speckles throughout the leaves due to spider mite feeding.

Spider Mites on Garden Phlox

During warm, dry weather, spider mites are a common pest of phlox, causing speckling, bronzing, and yellowing on leaves due to feeding behavior. Learn how to identify and manage infestations before they impact your garden.

small garden plot with small rows and two wooden tomato cages

Tips to Make More Efficient Use of Your Garden Space

If you don’t have much garden space it is important to get the most from what space you have available.

Several Easter lilies in purple pots lined up in a store

It’s Easter Lily Time!

There are several things to keep in mind when selecting an Easter lily plant to take home.

Tiny orange insects feeding on a green leaf

Watch Out For Houseplant Pests

Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and scale may be the most common insect pests that you will find on your houseplants but there are several other pests and problems you should watch out for.

A white and gray, mold-like growth on an ear of sweet corn.

What's Bugging Your Garden? Smut on Sweet Corn

Smut is a fungal disease that can attack the leaves, stalks, tassels, silks and cobs. While many fungal diseases cause spots on the leaves or stems, smut is much more flamboyant.

A greenhouse full of colorful container plants.

Do You Need a Thriller in your Garden?

Container gardens can be a great way to continue gardening or expand the way you are gardening and add color to your landscape, no matter what the size.

A bushy, brown to green plant with white flowers blooming throughout

May Showers Bring Spring Flowers

May is the month when our gardens, trees and shrubs really start to take off. It is an exciting time for all of us to see the color green again showing up throughout our yards and gardens.

variety of lilies at garden shop

Easter Lilies & Garden Lilies

Easter lilies are a very popular holiday plant, and if you really like lilies, there are many different kinds that you can plant in your own garden.