Garden almanac

In the Garden this Week (July 30)

In the garden this week, you’ll start hearing the buzzing sound of summer. Dog Day cicadas are about to emerge from the ground! Once they hatch, they’ll climb up trees and start their loud, raspy mating calls. Thankfully, these guys don’t do much damage to trees, so just sit back and enjoy their soundtrack to late summer.


With cicadas come their predators: the Cicada Killer Wasps. These are the largest wasps you’ll see in South Dakota, but don’t panic, they look intimidating, but they’re not aggressive. Their sting isn’t strong enough to hurt humans. They’re actually hunting caterpillars, paralyzing them and dragging them underground where they lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the caterpillar. Yep… nature can be brutal—it’s like a mini horror movie in your backyard.


If you’re seeing little round brown patches in your lawn about the size of a silver dollar, that’s Dollar Spot, a fungal disease that’s common this time of year. It can be treated with a fungicide if caught early. And don’t forget, early September is the perfect time to give your lawn some fertilizer to promote healthy fall and winter growth.


Noticing your garden is at a bit of a standstill? That’s totally normal. When temperatures soar above 95°F, many plants stop setting fruit or ripening. But hang in there, once the weather cools, your garden will start producing again like it should.

Garden almanac

This Week in the Garden 🐞

🌿 This Week in the Garden (July 22): Bugs, Blight & a New Trend

🐞 A few bugs are making their presence known this week!

First up is the picnic beetle—a tiny black beetle that loves overripe fruit. Think melons, strawberries, raspberries—basically anything sweet and soft. The best way to keep them at bay? Don’t let overripe fruit sit out in the garden. Clean-up is key.

Then there’s the blister beetle, especially in rural areas near cut alfalfa or hay fields. These guys are a bit of a mixed bag. The larvae are helpful because they eat grasshopper eggs, but the adults can snack on garden plants and flowers. The catch? If you brush against them, they release a chemical that can cause skin irritation or even blisters. So, if you plan to remove them, wear gloves—or just let them be.

Another critter to steer clear of is the assassin bug. It’s not aggressive but does pack a punch if handled. They feed on caterpillars and other pests, so they’re helpful in the garden. Just don’t grab one—they use their sharp mouthparts to “stab” if threatened!

🌱 Garden Diseases to Watch For

One common issue right now is blossom end rot, mostly affecting tomatoes. It shows up as leathery brown or black spots on the bottom of the fruit and can also affect squash, peppers, and eggplants. This happens when hot weather and inconsistent watering mess with calcium uptake in the soil. To help prevent it, mulch your plants and water when the soil feels dry. Some tomato varieties, like Early Girl, are more prone to this, but the good news is that it usually clears up as the season goes on.

Early blight is also popping up—another problem for tomatoes. It starts with yellowing on the lower leaves and turns into brown spots as it spreads. Eventually, the leaves shrivel and die. Treat it with garden fungicide (spray is better than dust for good coverage) and be sure to follow label directions.

Aster yellows is a tricky virus that affects flowers like coneflowers, asters, and even roses. You’ll see curling leaves and poor blooms. Unfortunately, once a plant is infected, the best move is to remove it so the disease doesn’t spread. It’s mostly carried by leafhoppers, infected tools, or reused soil in containers.

🌸 New Garden Trend: Stumpery!

Want to add some whimsy to your flowerbed? Try a stumpery—an old European trend that’s gaining popularity here. It’s as simple as placing decorative old stumps in your garden. If you have a hollowed-out one, you can even plant flowers inside. Rustic and beautiful!

Home Buying, Home Maintenance, Real Estate (Residential)

Growing Trend of Tiny Houses

Have you noticed the growing trend of tiny houses lately? More and more people are choosing to downsize their homes and upsize their lives—and it’s easy to see why. Tiny houses offer numerous benefits that extend beyond simply saving space. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, a cozy vacation spot, or even a rental opportunity, tiny homes pack a surprising punch.

One of the biggest draws is affordability. Tiny houses cost significantly less to build or buy than a traditional home. With fewer square feet to heat, cool, and maintain, utility bills and upkeep costs are also much lower. Many tiny homeowners live mortgage-free or pay off their homes quickly, which makes for a much less stressful financial situation.

Tiny houses are also incredibly eco-friendly. They naturally require fewer materials to build and consume less energy over time. Many are designed with sustainability in mind, using solar power, rainwater systems, or composting toilets. Plus, when you’re living in a smaller space, you naturally own and consume less, which helps reduce your environmental footprint.

Another major advantage is flexibility. Many tiny homes are built on wheels, giving you the option to take your home wherever life leads. Even stationary models can serve as guest homes, vacation rentals, offices, or space for aging family members. They’re easy to adapt to different stages of life or creative purposes.

Living in a tiny house also encourages simplicity. With less space, you learn to prioritize what truly matters. Many people say it feels free to let go of clutter and unnecessary belongings. Instead of being weighed down by stuff, tiny house living allows you to focus on experiences, relationships, and the things that bring real value to your life.

Financial freedom is another huge perk. Without the burden of a large mortgage or monthly expenses, tiny homeowners often find themselves able to save more, travel, or invest in other priorities. For some, it’s the key to retiring early or working fewer hours. It’s all about having more control over your time and money.

Lastly, tiny homes are designed with efficiency and creativity in mind. Every inch of space is used wisely. Built-in storage, multi-functional furniture, and smart layouts make them surprisingly comfortable and functional. Plus, they’re often customized to suit your unique lifestyle and taste.

Tiny houses may be small in size, but the lifestyle they offer is anything but limited. If you’re looking for more freedom, less stress, and a smarter way to live, going tiny might just be the big change you need.