The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Fresh Market Tomatoes
Revised
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.
Using Pesticides Safely in the Home and Garden
Revised $10
Chapter 14 of the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual
Fruit Production
Reviewed $10
Most temperate zone fruits grow in Missouri. Learn how to raise strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, blueberries, grapes, apricots, cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches, apples and pears in the Show-Me State.
Plants and Their Environment
Reviewed $10
To understand why plants respond as they do to natural influences, gardeners must understand their structure and how they grow. Visit our site to learn more.
Residential Landscaping
Reviewed $10
Chapter 11 of the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual
Plant Propagation
Reviewed $10
Plant propagation is the process of increasing the number of plants of a particular species. Visit our site to learn more about Plant Propagation.
Lighting Indoor Houseplants
Revised
Lack of adequate light can harm your plants. Visit our website today to learn best practices for lighting indoor houseplants.
Beekeeping Tips for Beginners
Revised
Help the pollinators and harvest your own honey: Become a beekeeper! Learn the basics, from where to locate your aviary to how to keep your bees healthy, in this beginning beekeeping guide from University of Missouri Extension.
Managing Lawns and Turfgrass
Reviewed $10
Developing and managing a lawn involves numerous decisions. Learn how to select an appropriate turfgrass species or cultivar for your situation and how to manage your lawn in this guide.
Improving Habitats for Wildlife in Your Backyard and Neighborhood
New
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.
Seasonal Apiary Management for Missouri
Revised
Learn how to establish, manage and maintain beehives to foster healthy bees and produce surplus honey to use or sell. Flowering periods for Missouri honey plants are included in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
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.
Establishment and Care of Woody Ornamentals
Reviewed $10
Chapter 7 of the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual
Tree and Shrub Pests Around the Home: Symptoms, Signs and Control
Revised $10
Learn to identify common insect and mite infestation on nearly 100 trees and shrubs and their potential treatments with the help of the University of Missouri Extension publication.
Shopping Safely at Farmers Markets — Leader’s Guide
New
Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.
Food Labeling for Missouri Food Producers and Processors — Fact Sheet
New
Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.
Shopping Safely at Farmers Markets — Fact Sheet
New
Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.
Cover Crops in Missouri: Putting Them to Work on Your Farm
New
Cover crops protect the soil, improve its health and allow farmers to harvest sunlight when commodity crops are not in the field. Get tips on selecting, planting and making money off cover crops in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Understanding the Pesticide Label
Reviewed
Pest problems occur in many different settings from agricultural to commercial and residential. Often a pesticide will be chosen as part of a management plan for pest control. If you choose to apply a pesticide, understanding the contents of the pesticide label is essential for the product’s safe and effective use.
Community Gardening Toolkit, Page 7
Reviewed
These web addresses in the Community Gardening Toolkit changed as of April 2015. Note that others have likely changed since then.
Turfgrass Disease Identification Form
Reviewed
Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.
Managing Thatch in Home Lawns
Reviewed
Thatch is a layer of living and dead roots, crowns and lower shoots that often develops in lawns (Figure 1). It can weaken and even destroy a lawn if not prevented or removed.
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