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Content by SDSU Extension

two whole apples behind a small pile of dehydrated apple slices

Dehydrating Apples

A food dehydrator is a good choice for drying apples and can be used at any time. It is a small appliance that has an electric element for heat with a fan and vents for air circulation.

A row of CSA subscription boxes with the words Green Market printed on them.

CSA Models

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) marketing is an outlet that allows a farmer to sell subscriptions or shares to consumers prior to the growing season. When the produce or food product is harvested it is then delivered on a scheduled basis to the customer.

A community garden plot with several tomato plants growing.

Community Gardens: Garden Rules - Operational Guidelines

When developing garden rules or participate guidelines it is important to address activities related to the operations of the garden. Clearly state that gardeners are expected to maintain their plot for the entire season and list the dates of the season during which they are responsible.

a hand pick an onion from a box of vegetables

CSA Benefits: A Consumer Perspective

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs can offer a wide variety of benefits to consumers.

sunflower head with maggots

What Are Those Small Brown Things Sticking Out of Sunflower Heads?

A few days ago, I received a couple of calls about small orange/tan colored sacs sticking out of sunflower heads and small black spots on heads. The brown structures are sunflower seed maggot pupae and the damage described is caused by its larvae.

beetle with metallic green head and red wings resting on soybean leaf

Japanese Beetles

Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) are pest beetles feed on trees, ornamental plants and food crops.

Community Gardens: Budget & Fees

In order to have a sustainable project, it is very important to identify all of the expenses that are involved in the operation of your community garden. Are there costs associated with utilizing the site, site preparation (tilling, plowing, soil testing, or soil amendments), on-site resources (hose, fencing, or shared tools), marketing the garden, water usage, or insurance?

budget sheet with money and bills

Wise Spending Habits

Does your paycheck run out before the end of the month? Do you spend more than you earn? Your wants may possibly be getting in the way of your needs. Priorities will need to be set to help manage money. Almost everyone can find some expenses to cut or reduce.

A young native american man handing a customer a canvas bag.

Native American Gardens

Learn more about Native American community garden projects throughout South Dakota and access helpful resources with information on starting up Native American community garden projects.

hand holding grape leaf with several bumps throughout

Phylloxera: A Grape Pest

Some grape growers may notice that some of their shoots have bumpy growths on the bottom of new leaves. These bumps are galls caused by the grape phylloxera, an aphid-like insect.