The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides the country into zones depending on how cold it gets in the winter. In Zone 4, winter temperatures dip to 30 degrees below zero, and that helps sort out the plants that can survive here. Gardeners also should realize much of South Dakota's soil is alkaline. You might want to add peat moss for a more balanced pH level. Alkaline soil also makes it difficult to grow acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas.
Homeowners also can expect to find clay in their soil.
You can add organic material, such as peat moss or compost, to beds whether you're sowing vegetables or planting flowers. Those with the heaviest soil also might want to add sand. The trick is to dig in enough sand to help - as much as 40 percent by volume. The other basic of Sioux Falls gardening is when to expect the last freeze in the spring and the first in the fall. Those are the averages, and every year tends to be just a little bit different.