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Content by Robin Buterbaugh

Tulip plant with ice crystals on foliage due to frost.

Frost and Freeze Impacts on Plants

Farmers and gardeners often use the terms frost and freeze interchangeably, but the two are not the same. Understanding these differences, along with the ways frost and freeze impact spring planting, can help protect farms and gardens.

Plant profiles of purple prairie clover, white prairie clover, and golden prairie clover.

Prairie Clovers of South Dakota

Many of us are familiar with the white clover growing in our lawns or the yellow sweet clover growing in rangelands, but did you know that South Dakota has several native prairie clovers that are beneficial for pollinators, birds, and wildlife?

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
Jun 30

Garden Hour

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

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
Jun 23

Garden Hour

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

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens

Square-Foot Garden Sample Planting Layout

Learn how to maximize produce production and space using a square-foot layout design.

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.

A small white bird with a black head sits on top of branch

SDSU Extension publishes research on native plants for bird habitat

January 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension has published new research on native plants that can support birds in the state and region.

a brown bird eating seed from a dried sunflower head.

Native Plants for Bird Habitat in South Dakota

South Dakota has a range of habitats that support many bird species, and native plants play an important role in all those habitats.

Wooden planks forming a raised circular garden bed with a notch in the side for access

Keyhole Gardens

Keyhole gardens combine composting, water conservation, and space efficient planting in a single raised bed design. They give gardeners a practical way to produce vegetables, herbs, and flowers when space, soil, or water would otherwise be limited.

Gardeners browsing a tablet computer while visiting a garden center.

Home Horticulture Resources for Gardeners

Horticulture is the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops. In addition to our website, there are many horticulture resources available on the web to provide research-based information to help every gardener succeed.