Neil Bell

Academic Wage Appointment

Locations: Polk County , North Willamette Research and Extension Center

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Publications
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Content by Neil Bell

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.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Oct 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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...

Nick Andrews, Heather Stoven, Heidi Noordijk, Lane Selman, Kelly Streit, Brooke Edmunds, Neil Bell, Victoria Binning | Jun 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Are fresh avocados possible here?

Q: Can an avocado tree grow and bear fruit in the Willamette Valley?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

How to Control Slugs in Your Garden / Cómo Controlar a las Babosas en su Jardín

Practical tips on how to deal with slugs in your garden, given in both English and Spanish.

Neil Bell, Amy J. Dreves | Apr 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Can I save my split maple?

Q: The ice storm split my yard maple at the junction of its only two sections. The split runs straight down the middle of trunk about 18 inches. It is pulled apart about four inches but I might be able to ratchet ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Black slime in my barkdust, is this a concern?

Q: We had new tanbark laid down in our backyard and have been finding black tar looking patches after it rains. We clean them up...then it rains and new patches of it show up again. Have you seen this before or have any...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Buzzing and Beautiful: Designing Pollinator Gardens with OSU Extension

A recording of a webinar touring through two new OSU guides to help you garden for pollinators and then ask questions of all the authors. We covered everything from what shrubs to plant, how to use mason bees, shrubs and...

Signe Danler, Andony Melathopoulos, Neil Bell, Amy Jo Detweiler, Nicole Sanchez, Heather Stoven | Jun 2020 | Video

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.

Andony Melathopoulos, Neil Bell, Signe Danler, Amy Jo Detweiler, Iris Kormann, Gail Langellotto, Nicole Sanchez, Heather Stoven, Dave Smitley | Jun 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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.

Neil Bell, Heather Stoven, Andony Melathopoulos | Mar 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Pokeweed identification?

Q: My dog has been sick a few times and I found this plant with berries in my back yard. I am trying to identify it, but having trouble. Think it is a nightshade type but just does not look like examples on internet. Can you help?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Diagnosing plant problems

Questions to ask in diagnosing problems Does a real problem exist with the plant? What is the population of the plants? How many of the plants are affected? What is the pattern of damage in the population? Do the cultural...

Neil Bell | Jan 2019 | Article

Pruning Ornamental Shrubs

What is pruning?, Pruning principles, Identifying flowering and growth habit, Directing growth, Principal pruning cuts

Neil Bell | Jan 2019 | Presentation

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.

Neil Bell, Amy Jo Detweiler, Heidi Noordijk, Chip Bubl | Sep 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Extension Forestry in Marion County

How Extension teaches best practices that enhance the soil, air and water quality, and how the program is important to family and community success.

Mary Stewart, Neil Bell, Michael Calcagno | May 2018 | Video

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.

Mary Stewart, Neil Bell, Michael Calcagno | May 2018 | Video

Mulching Woody Ornamentals with Organic Materials

Discusses mulching woody ornamentals (trees and shrubs) with organic materials. Covers the reasons for mulching, how to apply mulch, and how to maintain its beneficial effects over time. General principles described ...

Neil Bell, Dan M. Sullivan, Tom Cook | Mar 2009 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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.

Neil Bell, Dan M. Sullivan, Linda Brewer, John M. Hart | May 2003 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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.

John M. Hart, Donald A. Horneck, Robert G. Stevens, Neil Bell, Craig G. Cogger | Apr 2003 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)