Content by SDSU Extension

an image of a yellow and orange flower

Community Gardens: Types of Plants

A community garden will have to determine if they allow perennial growing plants or if they only allow annuals. Perennials can be great additions, as people enjoy growing and eating asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, tree fruit and others.

a wooden sign for a community garden

Community Gardens: Lease Agreements

Once the location of your community garden has been determined, it is suggested that you draft a lease agreement outlining the expectations and responsibilities of the community garden group and the landlord.

an image of a fenced in garden

Community Gardens: Garden Rules

It is necessary to have a clear set of rules or guidelines established for community garden participants. Every garden and community is different, so local organizers will want to establish rules that work best for their program. When developing your garden’s rules or guidelines include a range of perspectives, from the leadership team to the landowner to the gardeners.

black angus bull at pasture

Bull Selection

Bull sale season is upon us and those who are in the market for a new herd sire face a choice that will impact their herd for many years.

various meals packed in ziplock bags and stored in a freezer

Preparing Freezer Meals

With a little planning and meal preparation, you can have some healthful meals on hand for time crunches and drop in guests.

A cow and her calf touching noses

Heterosis and its Impact

Heterosis is not new to the livestock industry and its benefits have been well documented.

A sprawling sorghum field ready for harvest

Sorghum Trial Results

In 2025, sorghum trials were conducted in 2 locations in South Dakota.

A group of matureing swine in a group pen.

Is it Time to Reconsider Trace Mineral Levels in Pig Diets?

Growing pigs require trace minerals such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc for various biochemical functions, including cellular development and energy metabolism, which lead to optimal health and immunity.

An organic garden with flowers, plants, land vegetables growing.

Organic Herbicides

Many gardeners across the state of South Dakota desire to have weed-free gardens, yards and flowerbeds. Many homeowners do not want to use inorganic herbicides due to their potential health effects.

bunches of Aronia berries still on a bush

Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota

Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.