Content by Kristine Lang

A screenshot of an aerial map view with a pin showing where the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field-South is

SDSU Extension to host third annual Specialty Crop Field Day in Brookings

September 06, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension’s horticulture team invites everyone to attend the 2023 Specialty Crop Field Day.

Gardener holding a handful of healthy soil.

Soil Health and Why it Matters

Investing in soil health will benefit your garden or farm for generations to come. Learn how to actively manage the physical, chemical, and biological properties of your soil to optimize its long-term health.

Couple harvesting cabbage in a large garden.

Perfect produce? Understanding the standards behind cabbage quality and condition from a production perspective

Learn about the U.S. Department of Agriculture cabbage grading requirements, as they are key to understanding why produce is graded to certain standards before it ends up on grocery store shelves.

a green melon hangs on a trellis

SDSU Extension to host Corn and Melon Disease Workshop at SDSU Southeast Research Farm

August 08, 2023

Field corn, sweet corn and specialty melon growers looking to learn more about identifying and managing common diseases in their crops are invited to attend the South Dakota State University Extension Corn and Melon Disease Workshop.

a closeup of a row of green plants

SDSU Extension to feature Midland growers at new Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day

August 07, 2023

SDSU Extension is hosting a Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day for fruit and vegetable producers from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT on Aug. 14 at Cedar Creek Gardens near Midland, South Dakota.

Cluster of white to tan mushrooms emerging on lawn.

Managing Mushroom Growth in Home Lawns

While mushrooms can be fascinating to observe, their presence in your yard may indicate underlying issues that require attention. Learn some tips on how to effectively get rid of them and maintain a healthy, mushroom-free lawn.

Wire cage over raised bed garden.

Preventing and Dealing with Hail Damage in the Garden

Do you live in an area prone to hailstorms? All is not lost! Learn about some options to protect your plants when storm clouds threaten along with strategies for caring for damaged plants afterwards.

Orange and yellow zinnia flowers.

Beneficial Flowers for Organic Vegetable Production Systems

Learn about a wide variety of flowers that can be planted in guard rows among vegetables to attract beneficial insects and reduce pest pressure in organic vegetable gardens.

Left: Black silage tarp spread out over a research plot. Right: Clear tarp spread out over a research plot.

What is Soil Tarping and Why is it Used?

Soil tarping is a technique that uses large tarps to cover a growing space in order to reduce weeds and improve soil health before planting. Learn some expert insights into two commonly used soil tarping strategies.

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens Trial Report aids in flower selection

June 20, 2023

The 2022 McCrory Gardens Trial Report, issued this spring by South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens, helps South Dakotans choose flower varieties that do well in local conditions.