The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Missouri Direct-to-Consumer Pecan Planning Budget
New
Use this enterprise budget as a guide to estimate your production costs and returns for producing pecans to market direct to consumers in Missouri.
Market Channels for Locally Raised Foods
Revised
Sell Missouri vegetables via CSAs; U-pick sales; on-farm, roadside, farmers markets; co-ops; wholesale auctions; restaurants, institutions, supermarkets.
Coping With Summer Heat
Reviewed
The heat of summer not only can make for high utility bills, but also can be deadly. Here are some tips to help keep you comfortable, healthy and penny-wise.
Plant Disease Identification Form
Reviewed
Downloadable form for people who need to take and ship samples to the MU Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
High-Density Apple Planning Budget
New
Use this enterprise budget as a guide to estimate your production costs and returns for producing apples in a high-density commercial orchard in Missouri.
Water Analysis Form — Individual and Special Packages
New
The testing packages listed target specific nutrients to provide a complete picture of water quality. Use this form to order a detailed water analysis.
Starting and Operating a Farmers Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Revised
Learn what makes a farmers market successful. Get tips about how to start or improve a market to make local food available in your community.
Controlling Deer Damage in Missouri
Reviewed
Learn effective strategies for managing deer damage in Missouri, including population control, repellents, and fencing. Protect crops, landscapes, and safety.
Attracting Purple Martins to Your Property
Reviewed
Purple martins are beneficial birds to have around because they eat insects. Learn how to manage nest boxes to attract purple martins to your property.
Attracting Bluebirds to Your Property
Reviewed
Discover how to attract bluebirds by building and placing nest boxes in suitable habitats.
Attracting Barn Owls to Your Property
Reviewed
Learn how to create, place and maintain nesting boxes to attract barn owls to your property. They are desirable for controlling nuisance rodent populations.
Improving Habitats for Wildlife in Your Backyard and Neighborhood
Reviewed
Increasing plant diversity, especially with native plants, enhances the potential for attracting more wildlife species to your property. Create habitat that provides their basic needs: food, cover, water and space. Learn how in this MU Extension guide.
Managing Thatch in Home Lawns
Reviewed
Thatch is a layer of living and dead roots, crowns and lower shoots that often develops in lawns. It can weaken and destroy a lawn if not prevented or removed.
Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar
Revised
Learn how to maintain a beautiful lawn of cool-season grass with monthly steps and info on fertilizing, mowing, watering, aerating, controlling thatch and more.
Crop Insurance and Risk Management Programs for Missouri Specialty Crops
Revised
Protect your revenue or crop yields of your specialty crop business with crop insurance or similar programs to manage your price and production risks.
Fire Blight
Revised
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that attacks susceptible ornamental trees and shrubs and pose significant threat to apple and pear production.
Harnessing Social Media to Drive Sales
Revised
Ready to make your social media presence drive results for your business? Read this guide to learn how to set goals and strategies, craft action-inspiring content, leverage a content calendar and evaluate performance for future success.
Post, Engage, Grow: A Social Media Primer
New
Grow your business’s visibility with social media. This guide can help you choose the right platform, build an online presence and engage your audience. Learn how to connect with customers and turn social media into a springboard for marketing success.
Controlled Environment Agriculture: Understanding Grow Lights
New
Learn about key considerations for selecting grow lights for use in indoor hydroponic systems.
Watering and Fertilizing Tomatoes in a High Tunnel
Revised
Proper watering and fertilization are essential for producing tomatoes in a high tunnel. High tunnels keep out natural rainfall, so timely irrigation is necessary.
Planificación de Negocios para Parcelas Pequeñas en Missouri
New
Aprenda por qué la planificación empresarial en torno al mercadeo, los activos y la rentabilidad es importante para lanzar con éxito una empresa de pequeña escala.
Farmers Guide to the H-2A Visa Program
Revised
A guide to the H-2A Agricultural Guest Worker Program, detailing eligibility, application steps, and resources for Missouri agricultural employers.
Common Diseases in the Home Garden
Reviewed
Parasitic diseases and nonparasitic disorders can cause serious vegetable losses in home gardens.
Ornamental and Turf Pest Control (Category 3)
Revised $45
This manual is part of Missouri's Pesticide Applicator Training Program. It prepares pesticide applicators for a Category 3, Ornamental and Turf Pest Control, certification test given by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Elderberry Planning Budget
New
Use this enterprise budget as a guide to estimate your production costs and returns for producing elderberries in Missouri.