Content by Kristine Lang

Never Underestimate Mother Nature

We know that weather is unpredictable, and every gardener will eventually have to deal with damage caused by weather. Learn some tips that will help you give your plants a fighting chance after extreme weather events.

Hostas growing under filtered light beneath a tree.

Hosta: A Shade-loving Perennial

Hostas, known for their foliage and love of shade, have developed into a coveted landscaping staple. Learn how to select, plant and grow a hosta that's right for your garden or landscape!

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens to Host 2022 Garden Discovery Festival May 22

May 16, 2022

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens will be hosting the 2022 Garden Discovery Festival on May 22 from noon to 5 p.m. CDT at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center in Brookings.

Four common spring weeds: Shepherd’s Purse, Catchweed Bedstraw, Waterpod and Henbit.

Spring Annual Weeds

There are several weeds that pop up very early in the spring and start flowering before most other plants have shown any signs of growth. Learn about some common varieties to look out for.

Green leaves emerge from the soil as old brown stems are falling over in a garden covered in brown leaves.

Spring Garden Maintenance

With a little planning and foresight, spring garden preparation can be a manageable task that allows you to enjoy working outside while waiting on warmer days for planting.

Variety of cool-season, flowering plants, including: African Daisies, Petunias, Lobelia and Alyssum.

Cool-Season Flowering Annuals for the Garden

Flowering annuals that thrive in the cool weather can bring a gorgeous array of colors, shapes and sizes to your garden for early-season enjoyment! Learn about some great selections for South Dakota gardens.

Very young tomato plants with only two leaves growing from potting media inside of black packs.

The Basics of Seed Starting for Flowers and Vegetables

Have you ever thought about starting your own flowers or vegetables from seeds, but you don't know where to start? Learn some expert tips to start growing them at home today!

Four common, native milkweed plants: butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, common milkweed and whorled milkweed.

Garden-friendly Milkweeds to Plant in South Dakota

Are you looking to add native plants to your home garden this season? Consider expanding your garden palette with milkweed species that are native to South Dakota.

Gardener re-potting several seedlings that were started indoors over winter.

Winter Garden Education Opportunities To Cultivate Your Curiosity

Anxious to get your garden off to a good start this spring? Explore some resources and learning opportunities to grow your gardening knowledge this winter!

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.

Garden Hour

Make the most of your garden and landscaping with weekly insights and ideas from our team of experts.