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Content by Kristine Lang

A metal high tunnel enclosed in plastic is in a field

High Tunnels

A focus on high tunnel education benefits the growing population of specialty crop producers across South Dakota through updated education and expansion of high tunnel research. Extension programming continues to include extensive training on high tunnel assembly, management, and cropping innovations.

Narcissus spp. bulb with green shoots emerging from bare soil.

Warm Winter Temperature Impacts on Flowering Bulbs

Warm winters underscore the importance of temperature in regulating bulb growth, as the right sequence of warm and cold periods is critical for healthy shoots and properly formed flowers.

Two broccoli plants exhibiting early black rot symptoms.

Black Rot of Brassica Crops

Black rot is an uncommon, but devastating bacterial disease in South Dakota that can develop during extended periods of hot and wet weather, leading to rapid and widespread crop loss.

A woman with white hair bends down to check a rose plant

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens to feature rose trial tour and program

August 22, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens are pleased to feature the ongoing rose garden trials and research during a special event on Aug. 25, 2025, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

Vegetables are displayed, including zucchini, potatoes and radishes

SDSU Extension to host weed management tour at Sisseton farm

July 30, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce a field tour featuring Koeppe Family Fields on Aug. 5, 2025.

A sign directs drivers to an SDSU Extension field day

SDSU Extension hosts 5th annual Specialty Crop Field Day

July 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce its fifth annual Specialty Crop Field Day at the SDSU campus in Brookings.

A woman works in the soil inside a high tunnel; a man in the background drags equipment down a row

SDSU Extension to host event showcasing vegetable production at Cherry Rock Farms

July 15, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce an event highlighting how to grow vegetables in a high tunnel at a Brandon-area farm on July 23, 2025.

Cluster of bright-red poinsettia flowers in bloom.

Are You Photoperiodic? Poinsettias Are: An Explanation of This Unique Plant Process

Poinsettias are photoperiodic, which means they rely on cues from nature, like the shortening day or night, to change how they grow. Learn all about this unique plant process and how it helps Poinsettias bloom and re-bloom.

Crate of harvested green tomatoes in a garden.

How to Handle Those Green Tomatoes

With cooler temperatures and decreased daylength, gardeners may have an abundance of green, unripened tomatoes this fall. Learn some delicious ways to use them in the kitchen along with some expert tips for ripening them!