The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Soil Testing in Missouri
Reviewed
Find out how fertile your garden or lawn soil is with a soil test. Results estimate the ability of soil to supply plant nutrients or support plant growth. Learn the process of taking a soil sample and the tools necessary to do so in this guide.
Missouri Chinese Chestnut Planning Budget
Revised
Learn about the chestnut production system and the economics of growing Chinese chestnuts on a small scale.
Soil Testing for Lawns
Reviewed
Soil testing helps determine nutrient levels and pH, guiding effective lawn fertilization and ensuring healthy turf growth.
Soils, Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Management
Reviewed $10
Discover essential information on soil properties, plant nutrition, and effective nutrient management techniques to enhance your gardening success.
Cover Crops in Missouri: Putting Them to Work on Your Farm
Reviewed
Explore effective cover crop strategies for Missouri farmers to enhance soil health, manage erosion, and boost yields.
Growing Buckwheat for Grain or Cover Crop Use
Reviewed
Buckwheat has been grown in places like Missouri periodically for more than a century.
Sampling Plant Tissue and Soil for Analysis
Reviewed
This publication provides guidance on proper techniques for sampling plant tissue and soil to ensure accurate nutrient analysis.
Turfgrass Disease Control
Reviewed
Turfgrass disease is one of the serious reasons for injury and death to grasses. An accurate diagnosis of the problem is essential to any control program.
Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals
Reviewed
This guide provides weed identification and control information that turfgrass professionals can use to develop effective weed control programs.
Grass Clippings, Compost and Mulch: Questions and Answers
Reviewed
Yard waste is valuable landscape resource. Visit our site for our Grass Clippings, Compost and Mulch: Questions and Answers resource.
Budding
Reviewed
Budding is a grafting technique where a single bud is inserted into a plant stock, used to propagate fruit trees and ornamental plants. The best time is fall.
Watermelon Bacterial Fruit Blotch
Reviewed
Bacterial fruit blotch causes dark green blotches on watermelons, leading to rind rupture and decay; manage with clean seeds and sanitation.
Selecting Landscape Plants: Uncommon Trees for Specimen Plantings
Reviewed
Check out some uncommon landscape trees that have a good chance for survival in the Missouri climate.
Pruning Ornamental Shrubs
Reviewed
Learn effective techniques for pruning ornamental shrubs, including timing, tool selection, and maintenance tips to promote healthy plant growth.
Water-Efficient Gardening and Landscaping
Reviewed
Learn water-saving techniques for gardening, from drought-tolerant plants to efficient irrigation methods, and create a sustainable, beautiful landscape.
Garden 'n Grow: Leader Handbook
Reviewed $30
The Garden ’n Grow Leader Handbook is designed to be used as curriculum for the Missouri Garden ’n Grow Program.
High Tunnel Melon and Watermelon Production
Reviewed
High tunnels extend the growing season and shield melons and watermelons from pests and weather extremes. This guide offers detailed cultivation practices.
Bermudagrass for Athletic Fields
Reviewed
Bermudagrass offers a durable turf solution for athletic fields facing challenges with cool-season grasses due to limited irrigation and heavy use.
Selecting Landscape Plants: Ornamental Vines
Reviewed
Enhance your landscape with ornamental vines that provide privacy, soften structures, and add seasonal interest. Learn selection, support, and care tips.
Pruning and Care of Shade Trees
Reviewed
Yearly pruning during the first few years can help a tree become established and strong. Learn when and how to prune and problems you might encounter.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Reviewed
Create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape with thoughtful design, proper plant selection, and easy-to-care-for features that suit your space and lifestyle.
Steps in Fertilizing Garden Soil: Vegetables and Annual Flowers
Reviewed
Learn how to test soil, apply fertilizers, and maintain nutrient levels for healthy vegetable and flower gardens.
Making and Using Compost
Reviewed
Making compost transforms garden waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner, enhancing soil structure and fertility while reducing landfill use.
Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Reviewed
Discover essential tips for selecting, planting, and caring for azaleas and rhododendrons in Missouri's challenging climate.
Roses: Selecting and Planting
Reviewed
Roses are well adapted to many different environmental conditions. They are useful as landscape plants and prized as cut flowers.