Jared Barnes

Jared Barnes

Jared Barnes, Ph.D., is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

  • how to tell if your garden gets shade or sun
    How-To

    How to Determine if a Garden Bed Is Full Sun or Shade

    There is little you can do to control how much shade or sunlight a garden bed gets. Sure, you can cut down a tree to let in more sun or…

  • Design

    How to Use the Science of Plant Survival Strategies for a Healthier Garden

    The biggest epiphany of my horticultural career was learning about plant survival strategies. Like most gardeners, I was accustomed to classifying plants as annuals, biennials, or perennials. But dividing them…

  • drought tolerant shrubs for the south
    Southeast Regional Reports

    Drought-Tolerant Shrubs for the South

    According to NASA Earth Observatory, one-third of the United States experienced some level of drought in 2020. Unfortunately, we know this was not a random anomaly but an increasing trend…

  • How-To

    Lesser-Known Methods of Propagation Beyond Stem Cuttings

    While stem cuttings are the most popular method of propagation, plants can be propagated by other means.  Root: Some woodies, such as sassafras (Sassafras albidum, Zones 4–9) and sumac (Rhus…

  • How-To

    Six Simple Steps for Stem-Cutting Success

    Keep in mind that different species can root better at different times of the year. So if you fail, try again! You can learn much and be inspired by seeing…

  • How-To

    How to Propagate Plants from Cuttings

    As a kid, I read that new tomato transplants could be started by breaking off suckers and sticking them into potting soil to make new roots. I tried this, and…

  • Southeast Regional Reports

    Best Native Woodies for the South

    Gardeners love native plants, and for good reason. They are built to thrive in the conditions of a specific region, often without complaint, and are an essential component in the…

  • How-To

    Seedling Aftercare

    Once your seeds have germinated, how do you give your young plants the best possible start? Read the Science of Seed Starting. Keep a careful watch. We can help seeds…

  • How-To

    The Science of Seed Starting

    Seeds are little miracles that transform the world. In the wild, these tiny amalgamations of DNA can be stored away for years, waiting for the right conditions to turn a…

  • Southeast Regional Reports

    Regional Picks: Short Plants – South

    See regional picks for short plants, and read the article by Steve Aitken for even more ideas. “As I began amassing countless short varieties, only some of which worked in…