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Content by John Ball

Spaying fertilizer or chemical on plants
Feb 25

Commercial Ornamental/Turf Applicator Training @ Rapid City

SDSU Extension will host ornamental and turf commercial applicator training in Rapid City at the Ramkota (2111 N LaCrosse St, Rapid City, SD 57701) on February 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MT.

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
Apr 07

Garden Hour

Garden Hour will return with as a limited series during the fall and winter months.

Bergamot flower in a field being pollinated by a honey bee

Managing Forests for Pollinators

Fact sheet on the importance of managing Black Hills forests for pollinators.

Tree lined hiking trail at Cathedral Spires

Limber Pines of the Cathedral Spires: A Unique Tree

Fact sheet on the history, status and threats of limber pines.

Multiple d-shaped holes are shown on a tree trunk

SDSU Extension to host emerald ash borer meetings

June 25, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host public meetings about the emerald ash borer in Watertown and Milbank following the insect’s discovery in those communities.

A nest of Asian Needle Ants.

No Documented Sightings of Asian Needle Ants in South Dakota

Despite reports from major news networks citing that Asian needle ants are in South Dakota, we have no evidence that the ant is established or has ever been documented in the state.

Atrazine carryover injury to eastern redcedar seedling

Herbicide Carryover and Planting Bare-Root Tree Seedling in New Windbreaks

Guidelines on herbicide carryover when planting bare-root tree seedlings in new windbreaks

silver maple tree

Tapping Maples for Sap

Fact sheet on how to tap maple trees for sap.

a broccolini plant is next to a person's hand for scale

SDSU Extension to host off-season Garden Hour series

September 25, 2024

Garden Hour runs weekly during the growing season, typically from May through August. The off-season episodes are scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. Central time on Oct. 8 and Dec. 3, 2024, and Feb. 11 and April 1, 2025.

Several plastic bottles of pesticides gathered together in a white tub.

Managing Waste Pesticides: Restricted Use Pesticides

While pesticides are intended only to impact pests, they can have negative consequences on unintended targets, such as humans and wildlife, if not handled properly. Learn what steps you need to take to safely dispose of unused pesticides and comply with regulations.