The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Taking Plant Cuttings
New
Grow new plants with cuttings from existing ones. Learn how to take a cutting and create an environment in which it can develop roots in this 2-page guide.
Sampling Safely at Farmers Markets — Fact Sheet
Reviewed
Read this to understand sampling regulations at farmers markets. Learn how to establish and estimate costs for handwash stations and washing and sanitizing stations.
Agricultural Owners, Family Labor and the Worker Protection Standard
Revised
Find out what the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard requires of family-owned agricultural establishments to keep your family safe from pesticide exposure.
Freezing Basics
Reviewed
Freezing is one of the easiest and quickest methods of food preservation. Most foods retain their natural color, flavor and texture better when frozen than when other methods of food preservation are used. Learn the basics in this MU Extension guide.
How to Dehydrate Foods
Revised
Dehydrated foods are a sensible way for busy families to make healthy, portable snacks or store seasonal produce for use. You need to carefully follow directions for preparing and pretreating produce to maintain quality.
How to Freeze Fruits
Reviewed
How to Can Fresh Vegetables
Revised
Learn to safely can fresh vegetables in this research-based guide covering asparagus, beans, beets, carrots, corn, okra, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins and spinach. Recommended pressure canner process times are provided.
How to Freeze Vegetables
Reviewed
From blanching, cooling and freezing to thawing and using, learn how to safely freeze vegetables — asparagus, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, herbs, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and more — in this MU Extension guide.
Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide
Revised
Learn the latest pest management recommendations for commercial tree fruit, small fruit, and grape producers in the Midwest in this guide.
Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers
Revised
Learn how farms can market local food directly to consumers by building relationships with buyers, discovering customer needs, providing quality service.
Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers
Revised
Check out this annual guide for a summary of currently suggested vegetable varieties, seeding rates, fertilizer rates, weed control, insect control, and disease control measures for commercial growers.
Sampling Plant Tissue and Soil for Analysis
Revised
Spectrographic analysis of plant tissue is a relatively new and accurate method for determining levels of major and minor elements in growing crops. However, good results make proper sampling of crops necessary. Keep the following points in mind when taking samples:
Greenhouse/Green Roof Media Analysis Information Form
Revised
Editor’s note
This publication is a fillable PDF. Select the “Download this publication” button and save the form to your computer. Then either fill it in using Acrobat Reader and print it to send with your samples, or print it and fill it in by hand.
Manure Analysis Information Form
Revised
Editor’s note
This publication is a fillable PDF. Select the “Download this publication” button and save the form to your computer. Then either fill it in using Acrobat Reader and print it to send with your samples, or print it and fill it in by hand.
Soil Sample Information for Commercial Fruits, Vegetables and Turfs
Revised
Commercial fruit, vegetable and turf growers in Missouri can have their soil analyzed by the MU Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory. See the sampling instructions and guidelines to complete this soil sample form.
Compost Analysis Information Form
Revised
Editor’s note
This publication is a fillable PDF. Select the “Download this publication” button and save the form to your computer. Then either fill it in using Acrobat Reader and print it to send with your samples, or print it and fill it in by hand.
Soil Sample Information Form for Lawns and Gardens
Revised
Missouri homeowners and small-business owners can have the soil in their vegetable garden, flower garden or lawn analyzed by the MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab using this form. Be sure to mention specific crops being grown, if applicable.
Frequently Asked Vegetable Questions
Reviewed
Are you wondering why your carrot seeds won’t germinate or when to harvest your zucchini? Find answers to these and many more vegetable questions in this guide.
Selected Ground Covers for Missouri
Reviewed
Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread quickly to form a dense cover. All the ground covers discussed in this guide are reliably cold hardy throughout Missouri.
Controlling Deer Damage in Missouri
Revised
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are found in a variety of habitats throughout Missouri. They are beautiful and fascinating animals that provide many aesthetic and recreational benefits (Figure 1).
Missouri Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide
Reviewed
Where in Missouri you live can make a big difference on when to expect your first or last frost. See this guide for probabilities based on past years.
Missouri Weed Seeds
Reviewed
Positive identification of pests, including weeds, is the first step in a sound integrated pest management program. This publication can aid in identifying weeds by their seed characteristics.
Pesticide Storage
Reviewed
Learn guidelines to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly storage of pesticides.
