The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
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.
Estrategias de Venta para Productores Locales de Alimentos
Reviewed
Aprenda cómo las granjas pueden comercializar alimentos a los consumidores mediante la construcción de relaciones y la prestación de un servicio de calidad.
The Bagworm in Missouri
Reviewed
Bagworm is a native moth that can be a constant threat to evergreen and deciduous shrubs used for landscaping.
Tree Decline: What Is It?
Reviewed
Tree decline results from environmental stressors like improper planting, overcrowding and pests, leading to reduced vigor and increased disease susceptibility.
First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees
Reviewed
Learn how to assess and care for storm-damaged trees safely, avoid scams, and determine when to seek professional help.
Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers
Reviewed
Learn how farms can market local food directly to consumers by building relationships with buyers, discovering customer needs, providing quality service.
Missouri Chinese Chestnut Planning Budget
New
Learn about the chestnut production system and the economics of growing Chinese chestnuts on a small scale.
Missouri Farm Labor Guide
Revised
Learn good human resource practices related to employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and termination that your farm or agribusiness can use.
On-Farm Water Management for Compliance with the Produce Safety Rule
New
This factsheet guides growers through the FDA’s PSR requirements and emphasizes safe practices to protect public health and meet food safety regulations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.