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Linda Chalker-Scott

Ph.D., Horticulture (minors in Biochemistry & Botany), Oregon State University (OSU) M.S., Marine Biology, OSU B.S., General Biology, OSU
Linda Chalker-Scott
Professor / Extension Specialist, Urban Horticulture 253-445-4542 Kalkus Hall 104D 2606 West Pioneer https://puyallup.wsu.edu/lcs/

Area of Interest

  • Urban horticulture – woody landscape plants, restoration horticulture

Educational Background

  • Ph.D., Horticulture (minors in Biochemistry & Botany), Oregon State University (OSU)
  • M.S., Marine Biology, OSU
  • B.S., General Biology, OSU

Teaching Responsibilities

  • Guest lectures, WSU and University of Washington

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

Journal Articles

  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2023. Excessive use of water and fertilizer by homeowners: why it happens, how it affects the environment, and how the nursery industry and Extension outreach can help. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 41(2): 65–73.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and A.J. Downer. 2022. Garden myth-busting for Extension educators: the science behind the use of arborist wood chips as landscape mulches. Journal of the NACAA 15(2): https://www.nacaa.com/journal/c6b61258-c158-478e-b92d-a6aaa73a71b8.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and A.J. Downer. 2021. Myth busting for Extension educators: reviewing the literature on pruning woody plants. Journal of the NACAA 14(2). https://www.nacaa.com/journal/013d802cfdab-479a-9fd5-20064d80f465.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and A.J. Downer. 2020. Soil myth busting for Extension educators: reviewing the literature on soil nutrition. Journal of the NACAA 13(2). https://www.nacaa.com/journal/b295275ce93b-4a92-804d-c4db0301352d.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and A.J. Downer. 2019. Soil myth busting for Extension educators: reviewing the literature on soil structure and functionality. Journal of the NACAA 12(2). https://www.nacaa.com/journal/e359e03b-7c25-4c70-acd7-e9b10ced9205.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and A.J. Downer. 2018. Garden myth busting for Extension educators: reviewing the literature on landscape trees. Journal of the NACAA 11(2). https://www.nacaa.com/journal/42c536baaa7d-4d18-ab67-0323a7173849.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2015. Nonnative, noninvasive woody species can enhance urban landscape biodiversity. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry 41(4):173-186.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2013. The science behind biodynamic preparations: A literature review. HortTechnology 23(6):814-819.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2007. Impact of mulches on landscape plants and the environment – a review. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 25(4):239-249.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 1999. Environmental significance of anthocyanins in plant stress responses. Photochemistry and Photobiology 70:1-9. Invited review.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., L.H. Fuchigami, and R.M. Harber. 1989. Spectrophotometric measurement of leached phenolic compounds as an indicator of freeze damage. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 114:315-319. 1990 Outstanding Research Publication Award, ASHS.

Books

  • Kruckeberg, A., and L. Chalker-Scott. 2019. Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 3rd edition, University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA. Award of Excellence in Gardening and Gardens, Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries; National Book Award, NACAA; GardenComm Gold Award for Writing (Technical/Reference Book), GWA.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2015. How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do. Timber Press, Portland, OR. National Book Award from NACAA and the American Horticultural Society.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2010. The Informed Gardener Blooms Again. University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. (ed.) 2009. Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens: good science – practical application. GFG Publishing, Yakima, WA.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2008. The Informed Gardener. University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA. Best Book Writing Award from GWA.

WSU Extension Fact Sheets

Linda Chalker-Scott [WSU Extension Publications Store]

  • Chalker-Scott, L., and M. Bush. 2023. Lady beetles: should we buy them for our gardens? WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS268E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2023. Potential contaminants in residential rain barrel water. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS280E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and M. Bush. 2023. The praying mantids: defenders of the home landscape? WSU Extension Fact Sheet.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2022. Hügelkultur: What is it, and should it be used in home gardens? WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS283E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2021. Using coffee grounds in gardens and landscapes. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS207E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2021. Rubber mulch use in home landscapes. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS163E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2021. Why do leaves turn red? WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS209E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2021. Dust mulch efficacy in gardens and landscapes). WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS167E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2021. Growing rhubarb in home gardens. WSU Extension Fact Sheet F360E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2020. Protecting water resources: planting and caring for home wetlands. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS091E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2019. The efficacy and environmental consequences of kelp-based garden products. WSU Fact Sheet FS3309E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2019. Using cereal straw bales in home gardens. WSU Fact Sheet FS329E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2019. Cornmeal and corn gluten meal applications in gardens and landscapes. WSU Fact Sheet FS326E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2019. Do black walnut trees have allelopathic effects on other plants? WSU Fact Sheet FS325E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2018. How are hydrangea flower colors determined? WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS309E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and R. Guggenheim. 2018. Epsom salt use in home gardens and landscapes. WSU Fact Sheet FS308E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and R. Guggenheim. 2018. Gypsum use in home gardens and landscapes. WSU Fact Sheet FS307E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2018. Are native trees and shrubs better choices for wildlife in home landscapes? WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS300E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2017. A gardener’s primer to mycorrhizae: understanding how they work and learning how to protect them. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS269E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and C.H. Daniels. 2016. Scientific literacy for the citizen scientist. WSU Extension Manual EM100E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., and C.H. Daniels. 2015. Pesticide ingredient: horticultural oil. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS184E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L., M.A. Elliott, S. Collman, and A. Antonelli. 2015. Identifying, treating, and avoiding azalea and rhododendron problems. WSU Extension Manual EM091E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2015. Using arborist wood chips as a landscape mulch. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS160E.
  • Chalker-Scott, L. 2014. Biochar: a gardener’s primer. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS147E.
  • Calvert, I., and L. Chalker-Scott. 2014. Organic fungicides for the home gardener. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS128E.