The following publications cover topics related to Commercial Horticulture. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Biological Pest Control
New
Integrated pest management (IPM) uses safe, cost-effective strategies like cultural practices, natural enemies, and selective pesticide use to control pests.
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.
Establishment and Care of Buffalograss Lawns
Reviewed
Brad S. Fresenburg
Turfgrass State Specialist
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.
Plant Disease Identification Form
Reviewed
Downloadable form for people who need to take and ship samples to the MU Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
Home Fruit Production: Strawberry Cultivars and Their Culture
Revised
Which strawberry cultivar should you plant? Learn the qualities of popular varieties; how to select, plant and care for them; and what pests and diseases to look out for in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Turfgrass Insects
Revised
Only a small number of insects may, at some time, become a potential problem in turfgrass. Turfgrass insects can be somewhat cyclical and very dependent on a number of factors. Weather, suitable food sources, desirable habitat and predators all play a part in the population size of particular insect species.
Care of Flowering Potted Plants
Reviewed
Home Fruit Production: Grape Training Systems
Revised
Pruning is one of the most neglected practices in home plantings of grapes. Visit our site for our Home Fruit Production: Grape Training Systems guide.
Roses: Care After Planting
Revised
Planting roses? Learn how to mulch, water, prune, and care for your roses. Includes a pest guide.
Garden 'n Grow: Leader Handbook
Reviewed $30
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available for purchase.
Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens
Reviewed
Tips on selecting broad-leaved evergreen plants for your landscape, from ideal soil conditions to winter care, enhancing year-round beauty and structure.
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
Insect Borers of Fruit Trees
Reviewed
Learn about insect borers that affect fruit trees, including their biology, the damage they cause, and effective control methods to protect your orchard.
Fruit Spray Schedules for the Homeowner
Revised
Most home fruit plants require pesticide treatments to control serious diseases and insect pests. Learn what pesticides are needed and the frequency of application of sprays for many fruits in this guide.
Home Propagation of Garden and Landscape Plants
Reviewed
Plant pieces severed from a parent plant and rooted to form new plants are called cuttings. New plants formed from cuttings have the same characteristics as the parent plant. The process of rooting cuttings is simple and inexpensive and requires little labor and equipment.
Wildflowers in the Home Landscape
Reviewed
Learn how to design, locate and care for a wildflower garden; and what wildflowers suitable for shaded or sunny locations in Missouri. Tips on collecting native plant seeds and other propagation methods are included in this MU Extension guide.
From Seed to Harvest and Beyond: Garden Journal and Calendar
New $30
Our Missouri garden journal is also a how-to guide and information resource. It provides a place to organize gardening info, plans and notes. Gift it to the gardeners in your life! If you are a Master Gardener, treat yourself!