Linda Chalker-Scott

Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., is an extension horticulturist and an associate professor at Washington State University's Puyallup Research and Extension Center.

Articles by Linda Chalker-Scott

The Myth of Drainage Material in Container Plantings The Myth of Drainage Material in Container Plantings The Myth of Drainage Material in Container Plantings The Myth of Drainage Material in Container Plantings


A popular gardening myth out there goes a little something like this: “Add a layer of gravel or other coarse material in the bottom of...

The Myth of Beneficial Bone Meal The Myth of Beneficial Bone Meal The Myth of Beneficial Bone Meal The Myth of Beneficial Bone Meal


Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott examines whether or not adding a handful of bone meal to planting holes before installing shrubs and trees is...

The Myth of Night Light The Myth of Night Light The Myth of Night Light The Myth of Night Light


True or False: Unless you’re a poinsettia, increased light levels can’t hurt. Read on to find out.

Miracle, Myth, or Marketing: Are Epsom Salts a Garden Cure-All? Miracle, Myth, or Marketing: Are Epsom Salts a Garden Cure-All? Miracle, Myth, or Marketing: Are Epsom Salts a Garden Cure-All? Miracle, Myth, or Marketing: Are Epsom Salts a Garden Cure-All?


You may have recently heard somewhere that Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulphate, is an effective addition to any type of garden...

The Myth of Hot-Weather Watering The Myth of Hot-Weather Watering The Myth of Hot-Weather Watering The Myth of Hot-Weather Watering


True or false? Watering plants on a hot sunny day will scorch their leaves. Read on to find out!

The Myth of Cloroxed Clippers The Myth of Cloroxed Clippers The Myth of Cloroxed Clippers The Myth of Cloroxed Clippers


Here's a gardening urban legend for you: a bleach solution is the best choice for disinfecting pruning wounds and tools. So, is it true?...

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