Gardening - Ask an Expert
SDSU iGrow – 3/20/2012
iGrow Gardens is offering a new Ask an Expert feature provided through eXtension.
Gardening
Soil Testing Labs
Ronald Gelderman – 8/14/2011
Gardeners and homeowners who are thinking of taking a soil sample this fall or next spring need to be aware that South Dakota State University will no longer be offering commericla testing after October 22, 2011. A list of nearby state or private laboratories that can be used for garden and lawn samples is given below. The private laboratories are not necessarily recommended or endorsed. Gardeners with questions on sampel submissions, analysis charges and recommendationss hould contact the laboratory of interest.
SDSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic
Connie Tande – 8/13/2011
The Plant Diagnostic Clinic's function is to provide research-based information on crop health in South Dakota. The Plant Diagnostic Clinic serves the state of South Dakota and the Great Plains region by providing fast and accurate plant health and diagnostic information for the agricultural and horticultural industries. We perform routine diagnosis of field crop, horticultural crop diseases and turf diseases for industry and homeowners. Occasionally, we also serve as a point of contact in South Dakota for major agricultural biosecurity issues related to plant health.
Tulips and Other Spring Bulbs Need Care Both Before and After Blooming
Lora Berg – 4/23/2012
Caring for spring bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, does not end when the blooms fade. It is important to maintain healthy green foliage as long as possible in order to build healthy bulbs to fuel next year’s colorful blooms.
New USDA Hardiness Zones for 2012
Lora Berg – 4/23/2012
The USDA has released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) for 2012. A hardiness zone map provides information that can be used to determine which plants can withstand cold temperatures in a specific geographic area. The web-based map was developed for gardeners and researchers by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group.
Yard & Garden Tips for an Unusual Spring
Lora Berg – 4/10/2012
In spite of the unseasonably warm temperatures that have marked the early spring throughout South Dakota, gardeners should exercise caution while jumping into spring lawn and garden chores, according to David Graper, Professor of Horticulture and Director of McCrory Gardens, South Dakota State University. And keep those sheets and blankets handy for covering frost-sensitive plants.
What’s Up In the Perennial Garden?
Lora Berg – 4/04/2012
Spring is early this year and so are some of the plants peeking out of the ground. The unusually warm weather has spring flowering bulbs such as squill, daffodils, crocus and tulips coming up and blooming several weeks ahead of their usual bloom time.
Hardening-off Transplants Before Planting
Geoffrey Njue – 5/07/2012
Transplants grown either indoors or in a greenhouse need a period to adjust to the outdoor conditions before being planted in the field. If transplants are planted directly in the garden before they are adjusted to the sun, wind, rain and cool outdoor temperatures they may not survive the shock.
New USDA Hardiness Zones for 2012
Lora Berg – 4/23/2012
The USDA has released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) for 2012. A hardiness zone map provides information that can be used to determine which plants can withstand cold temperatures in a specific geographic area. The web-based map was developed for gardeners and researchers by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group.
Planning A Vegetable Garden Site
David Graper – 4/18/2012
As more of the country focuses on fresh vegetables, with even First Lady Michelle Obama promoting an expanded White House kitchen vegetable garden, many gardeners are more interested in growing healthy veggies in their own back yards. Though it may still be a bit early to plant some vegetables outside due to the danger of frost, it’s a good time to finalize this year’s vegetable garden plans.
Test your Soil Before Planting
Geoffrey Njue – 4/10/2012
Spring is here and it is a good time to test your soil. Sampling can be done any time, but you should test your soil as early as possible prior to transplanting to give yourself ample time to amend the soil for pH, Phosphorus and Potassium if needed.
White Grub Damage to Lawns
Leo Schleicher – 5/11/2012
Injury to cool-season turfgrasses may be severe during mid-summer to early fall when plants are stressed from high temperatures and insufficient moisture. For example, high levels of stress at this time of year often increase susceptibility to injury from certain insect pests, such as white grubs.
Be Patient When It Comes to Lawn Care
Lora Berg – 4/04/2012
Even though the unseasonably warm and early spring means the landscape is looking greener than usual, homeowners should resist the urge to get too carried away when it comes to lawn care.
Flooded Lawns And Gardens
Ronald Gelderman – 4/02/2012
The flooding along the Missouri River and a few other areas last summer covered some lawn and garden areas. In many cases what was left behind looks like dirty snow. This is salt. These salts are similar to table salt or Epsom salt and are found naturally in all soils.
Crabgrass Germination Responds to Above Normal Temperature
Leo Schleicher – 4/02/2012
Application of a preemergence herbicide is recommended now for lawns with a history of crabgrass pressure. Unseasonably warm temperatures have stimulated earlier than normal crabgrass germination in some home lawns.
Dry Winter Damaged Some Evergreens—Season-Long Steps Can Help Prevent
Lora Berg – 4/23/2012
Due to the dry conditions during the fall and winter of 2011-2012, some evergreen trees in South Dakota have suffered winter desiccation damage. South Dakota State University Extension Forester John Ball offers an explanation about what happened, and some season-long suggestions on how to reduce the risk of similar damage next winter.
New USDA Hardiness Zones for 2012
Lora Berg – 4/23/2012
The USDA has released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) for 2012. A hardiness zone map provides information that can be used to determine which plants can withstand cold temperatures in a specific geographic area. The web-based map was developed for gardeners and researchers by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group.
What about the freeze and trees?
John Ball – 4/10/2012
The BIG question today – what will last night’s freeze do to my trees? Short answer, not as much as you think.
Trees for the Northern Plains
SDSU iGrow – 2/24/2012
Trees for the Northern Plains is written by one of the Midwest’s foremost authorities on trees. From Saskatchewan to Nebraska, from Montana to Minnesota, John Ball has traversed the Northern Plains researching and studying thousands of trees. His field guide, available in late spring 2012, is a must-have resource.