The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Home Fruit Production: Grape Culture
Reviewed
This publication provides comprehensive guidance on grape cultivation, including cultivar selection, planting, and care practices.
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.
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.
Freezing Basics
Reviewed
Learn how to freeze food safely, preserve flavor and texture, and avoid common mistakes for better long-term storage.
How to Dehydrate Foods
Revised
Learn how to dehydrate fruits and vegetables safely with tips on preparation, pretreatment, and storage for longer-lasting, quality results.
How to Freeze Fruits
Reviewed
Learn how to freeze fruits effectively, including tips on preparation, preventing darkening, and approximate yields for various fruits.
How to Can Fresh Vegetables
Revised
Learn to safely can fresh vegetables in this research-based guide. 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.
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
This publication provides guidance on proper techniques for sampling plant tissue and soil to ensure accurate nutrient analysis.
Manure Analysis Information Form
Revised
Manure testing is necessary to make optimum use of manure, which is a valuable source of nutrients for crops and improves soil productivity, while protecting water resources. Complete and submit this form along with your manure 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pesticide Storage
Reviewed
Learn guidelines to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly storage of pesticides.