The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
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.
Home Fruit Production: Grape Culture
Reviewed
Grapes are sturdy plants that withstand drought and can succeed even in rocky, infertile soils. Grape vines can remain productive for 20 to 30 years. Learn how to landscape with grapes, from choosing cultivars to harvesting the fruit, in the University of
Managing Nematodes in Gardens
Reviewed
Pollinating Fruit Crops
Reviewed
Growing Pecans in Missouri
Revised
Pecan is a large, beautiful tree that produces bountiful crops of delicious nuts. Visit our site to learn about Growing Pecans in Missouri.
Pesticide Laws and Regulations
Revised
Learn about federal and Missouri pesticide rules, and see the steps to take to become a pesticide applicator and keep good records of when you use pesticides.
Starting and Operating a Farmers Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Revised
Learn what makes a farmers market successful and feasible. Get tips about how to start or improve a market to make local food available in your community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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. Complete and submit this form along with your samples.
Compost Analysis Information Form
Revised
It is preferable to know the nutrient content of your compost material. Based on the compost analysis you can decrease the amount of fertilizer needed. Complete and submit this form along with your compost samples for analysis.
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.
Greenhouse/Green Roof Media Analysis Information Form
Revised
Testing greenhouse media provides an assessment of the material to adequately provide plant nutrients and provide a good rooting environment. Complete and submit this form along with your samples.