Gardening Workshop in Belle Fourche

Gardeners in western South Dakota face a variety of growing challenges, including large daily temperature fluctuations, intense weather events such as high winds, hail, and early or late snowfall, and a limited number of freeze-free days. This workshop will equip gardeners of all experience levels with an understanding of crop physiology and practical, research-based strategies to optimize vegetable and fruit production for the upcoming season. Topics will include seed-starting, transplanting, soil fertility, varietal selection, irrigation requirements, protected cultivation, integrated pest management, and harvest strategies tailored to local environmental conditions.

This one-hour workshop will be offered in seven communities and is open to participants of all gardening skill levels. The class will be taught by Nick Volesky, SDSU Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Specialist based in Rapid City. Resources on gardening and horticultural topics will be available, and participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussion to spark ideas within their communities.