HOW PLANTS WORK The science behind the amazing things plants do (2015), by Linda Chalker-Scott, a Review

August 29, 2019

In her recent book Linda Chalker-Scott makes plant physiology accessible to anyone interested in gardening knowledgeably, efficiently and economically. Examples of some questions Chalker-Scott addresses are:

· How do you garden so that you use less fertilizer and fewer pesticides?

· If phytohormones control everything from growth to reproduction and death in plants, how can we as gardeners help them do their job?

· How do plants tell time, move to follow the sun and change color?

· Nitrogen…where does it come from and how much do plants need?

Linda Chalker-Scott, plant physiologist, horticulturist and extension specialist at Washington State University spells out how plants do what they do.

She clearly explains:

· how plant cells work;

· the workings behind roots and mycorrhizal fungi including why, when and how to mulch;

· the facts behind NPK fertilizers and the details of the nutrients and minerals plants need;

· how plants transform sunlight into sugar;

· anthocyanins and how they protect plants, help them retain water and cause leaves to change color;

· pruning and staking basics – how, when and where, and

· plant sex – from ferns and mosses to bulbs, corms, tubers, flowers and berries.

Chalker-Scott writes in an accessible and entertaining way that engages both experienced and novice gardeners. Included are many photos and examples.

Also by Linda Chalker-Scott, THE INFORMED GARDENER (2008). In this science-based book, Chalker-Scott busts dozens of myths about gardening. A few are:

· the myth of organic superiority;

· the myths of soil amendments, phosphate fertilizers, bonemeal and hydrogels

· and the myths of landscape fabrics, clean compost and ‘pretty’ mulch.

Each myth is followed by an extensive list of peer-reviewed references in which the authors are writing for an academic audience.

Linda Chalker-Scott was the keynote speaker at the first Statewide Colorado Master Gardener Conference on Oct 2-4, 2016. Her books were highly recommended by the attending CSU professors and extension agents. Other books by Chalker–Scott are The Informed Gardener Blooms Again and Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens: Good Science, Practical Application.

Article by: Molly Niven, Master Gardener