The following publications might be of particular interest to people in Nodaway County. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.

How to Can Fresh Fruit

Reviewed

Did you know there's more than one way to can fresh fruit? Learn the options and what they mean for your final color and taste.

How to Can Sweet Spreads

Revised

Jelly, jam, preserves, conserves, marmalades and fruit butters are similar products. All are made from fruit, preserved by sugar and thickened or gelled to some extent.

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.

Safe Home Canning Basics

Revised

Safely preserve fresh fruits and vegetables — and meat, poultry, seafood, soups and sauces — by the proper canning method: boiling water, steam or pressure. Learn the basics in this guide.

How to Can Fresh Tomato Products

Revised

Developed by Barbara Willenberg

Revised by Susan Mills-Gray
State Nutrition Specialist

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.

How to Use Dehydrated Foods

Reviewed

Developed by Barbara Willenberg
Revised by Susan Mills-Gray, State Nutrition Specialist

Preventing and Managing Plant Diseases

Revised $10

The first and best defense against plant diseases is a healthy plant. Visit our site to learn about Preventing and Managing Plant Diseases.

Exhibiting and Judging Garden Vegetables

Reviewed

Learn how to set up a vegetable exhibit, the factors vegetables are judged on, and conditions that could result in disqualification.

Vegetable Harvest and Storage

Reviewed

Reviewed by David H. Trinklein
Division of Plant Sciences

Timely harvest and proper storage help maintain the quality and freshness of garden vegetables. This publication describes how and when to harvest vegetables; special harvest preparations and storage requirements; and appropriate length and kinds of storage.

Fresh Market Tomatoes

Revised

David H. Trinklein
Horticulture State Specialist
Division of Plant Sciences

The demand for locally-grown, vine-ripened tomatoes remains strong in Missouri. If you can produce high yields of good-quality tomatoes, the opportunity exists for you to make a reasonable return on your investment.

Vegetable Planting Calendar

Reviewed

Plant a vegetable garden to save on your family food bill and promote good dietary habits. The tables in this guide help Missourians plan what to plant, when to plant and how much of each vegetable to plant.

Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar

Reviewed

Learn how to maintain a beautiful lawn of cool-season grass such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or fine fescue. Monthly steps plus info on fertilizing, mowing, watering, aerating, controlling thatch and weeds, top-dressing, rolling

Common Diseases in the Home Garden

Revised

Patricia Wallace
Extension Associate, Division of Plant Sciences
Director, MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic

Raised-Bed Gardening

Revised

Raised-bed gardens have several advantages, including higher yields and a longer growing season. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs can all be grown in raised beds. Learn about types of raised beds and how to build and maintain them in this gui

Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens

Reviewed

Broad-leaved evergreens are highly prized landscape plants, but many require special attention to develop into attractive, long-lived plants. Learn how to select and care for plants that will thrive in your area with the help of this MU Extension guide.

How to Plant a Tree

Reviewed

Christopher J. Starbuck
Department of Horticulture

Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual

New $30

Editor’s note

Organic Vegetable Gardening Techniques

Revised

Revised by Sanjun Gu
State Vegetable Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension

Defining organic

In agriculture, the word organic has come to mean “foodstuff grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides or hormones.” According to the USDA National Organic Standard Board, organic agriculture:

Growing Sweet Peppers in Missouri

Reviewed

From transplanting and field establishment to harvesting and marketing, learn how to grow sweet peppers in Missouri. Fertilization, irrigation, pest management and high-tunnel production are also covered in this University of Missouri Extension guide.

Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils

Revised

Manjula V. Nathan
MU Extension Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services Laboratories

Poor soil is a common cause of failure to grow vigorous, attractive lawns, trees and shrubs. Topsoils vary greatly from one location to another. Topsoil’s ability to support plant growth can differ from block to block, from farm to farm and from the bottom to the top of a slope.

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.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees

Revised

Learn how to select the perfect shade trees for your midwest yard or landscape. Don't waste years on a bad landscape!

Mulches

Revised

Christopher J. Starbuck
Department of Horticulture

Mulches provide many benefits to plants. Benefits vary with the material used, the type of soil, the kind of plant and the cultural practices used. Mulches also may be used to make landscapes more attractive and usable and to reduce the amount of maintenance work (Figures 1a to 1c).