neil.bell [at] oregonstate.edu Office:
From 2000 until 2021 I coordinated the Master Gardener program in Marion County and Polk County and worked with my volunteers to assist homeowners with their garden problems. I also developed curriculum on plant problem diagnosis which evolved into Ecampus and PACE courses.
My research interests involve evaluating evergreen shrubs for un-irrigated landscape applications in western Oregon. Since 2001, I have done evaluations of Ceanothus , Cistus and Halimium, Grevillea, Arctostaphylos and groundcovers at the Oregon Garden in Silverton and at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora. Currently, I am assisting with an evaluation of 116 olive accessions at NWREC.
At OSU
Courses Taught:
Together with Dr. Jay Pscheidt, I developed and delivered an online course on plant problem diagnosis which was offered for the first time through E-campus in spring term 2012. The course is HORT 349, Diagnosis of plant problems-an introduction.
Do you advise nonthesis students?:
Biography
I was raised in Victoria B.C. and earned my B.S. degree from the University of British Columbia in Plant Science in 1990. I came to OSU to study Horticulture and received an M.S. in 1992. The research area for my Masters degree was berry crops, and the thesis looked at yield components of 'Marion' trailing blackberry.
Professional Accomplishments
My Awards
My Publications
Journal Article
N. Charles Bell , Sullivan, D. M. , Brewer, L. , and Hart, J. M. “Improving garden soils with organic matter ” , Oregon State University, Extension Service , 2003.
Outreach and Extension
Extension Service Site Publications (2025) Grevillea for Western Oregon gardens The top 5 performing plants of Grevillea for western Oregon landscapes. (2024) Manzanitas for Western Oregon Gardens The top 5 performing plants of manzanita for western Oregon landscapes. (2024) Rockroses for Western Oregon gardens The top 5 performing plants of Cistus for western Oregon landscapes. (2024) Top 5 plants for unirrigated landscapes in Western Oregon Drought-tolerant landscape plants for Western Oregon, including California lilac (Ceanothus), Rockrose (Cistus and Halimium), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos), Spider flower (Grevillea) and ground cover shrubs. (2024) California Lilac (Ceanothus) for Western Oregon gardens The top 5 performing plants of Ceanothus for western Oregon landscapes. (2024) Drought-tolerant landscape plants for Western Oregon: site selection and preparation Western Oregon gardens and landscapes can flourish without summer irrigation - when you choose the right plants. This series, based on decades of on-farm research, can provide some ideas and go-to plants to help create a successful low-water use landscape. Researchers with the Oregon State University Department of Horticulture have been evaluating plants grown without summer irrigation in Aurora, Oregon since 2000. Plant groups studied include California lilac (Ceanothus), Rockrose (Cistus and Halimium), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos), Spider flower (Grevillea), and ground cover shrubs. (2023) Fire-resistant plants for home landscapes Home landscaping is an important part of a community's resistance to wildfire. Learn what plants can help you create an attractive environment and reduce the risk of fire. (2023) Fire-resistant plant profiles: Groundcovers Choose the right groundcover plants for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest. (2023) Fire-resistant plant profiles: Broadleaf evergreens Choose the right broadleaf evergreen plants for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest. (2023) Fire-resistant plant profiles: Shrubs Choose the right shrubs for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest. (2023) Fire-resistant plant profiles: Perennials Choose the right perennial plants for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest. (2023) Fire-resistant plant profiles: Trees Choose the right trees for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest. (2021) Cómo Controlar a las Babosas en su Jardín Consejos prácticos sobre como tratar las babosas en su jardín, dados en inglés y español. (2021) Are fresh avocados possible here? (2018) Community Horticulture in Marion County See how Extension's research and education services help develop plant varieties that are successfully adapted for use in the mid-Willamette Valley and help residents raise their own food and plants to beautify their landscape. (2018) How OSU Extension Forestry connects in our communities How Extension teaches best practices that enhance the soil, air and water quality, and how the program is important to family and community success. (2020) Trees and Shrubs for Fall and Winter Bloom Fall and winter flowers add cheer in the Pacific Northwest's rainy season. Flowering shrubs are also a boost to pollinators, providing nectar and pollen when little is available. Learn what shrubs and trees to plant now to brighten your garden in the months to come. (2020) Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators The way we garden can help promote the health of bees and other insects. This guide offers detailed plant lists, garden designs and advice on creating pollinator habitat. (2019) Pokeweed identification? (2019) Pruning Ornamental Shrubs What is pruning?, Pruning principles, Identifying flowering and growth habit, Directing growth, Principal pruning cuts (2019) Diagnosing plant problems Ten questions to ask in diagnosing problems and resources to turn to for expert advice. (2021) How to Control Slugs in Your Garden Practical tips on how to deal with slugs in your garden, given in both English and Spanish. (2022) Winter Vegetable Production on Small Farms and Gardens West of the Cascades The mild climate west of the Cascades allows farmers and gardeners to grow many winter-hardy crops in the field for winter and spring harvest. A wide range of alliums, leafy greens, brassicas and root crops do well. For gardeners, these winter vegetables provide fresh, nutritious, homegrown produce from November to April. For farmers, winter vegetable production can provide cash flow outside the normal summer cropping season, more consistent work for employees and year-round relationships with direct-market customers. (2025) Training and pruning your home orchard A visual guide to training and pruning apple, pear, sweet cherry, sour cherry, peach, plum, apricot, fig, persimmon, walnut, hazelnut and chestnut trees. (2009) Mulching woody ornamentals with organic materials Using mulch around trees and shrubs has many benefits including improved soil quality and reduced water consumption. Learn about the types of mulch, how to use it and how to maintain its benefits. (2003) Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter Soil organic matter is important to good plant performance. Adding organic matter can improve any soil, no matter how compacted. Learn how to check your soil for organic matter and improve its quality with amendments. (2003) Acidifying Soil for Blueberries and Ornamental Plants in the Yard and Garden: West of the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon and Washington This publication explains the importance of soil acidity to plant growth and discusses how to modify it to ensure that rhododendrons, blueberries, and other acid-loving plants thrive in your garden. (2018) Grow your own tomatoes and tomatillos Learn how to grow tomatoes and tomatillos in your home garden. Topics include site and soil preparation, propagation, planting, pruning, harvest and storage.
I was Community Horticulturist for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County and Polk County from 2000 to 2021, overseeing both County Master Gardener programs during that time. I am currently employed one day per week by Extension to assist with evaluation of 116 olive cultivars at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora.
