Garden Ecology Lab

Studying the plants, insects, microbes, and decisions that improve or degrade a garden’s ability to promote environmental and human health.

Research

Our current projects focus on native plant - pollinator interactions, microbes in garden soils, urban agriculture and food production, and garden biodiversity. We work directly with gardeners to identify high priority projects that align with our areas of expertise. We are always on the lookout for new projects, but need to consider new projects in the context of current lab capacity, expertise, and funding.

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Teaching 

Teaching is a core component of the Garden Ecology Lab mission. Our group teaches credit, non-credit, and community classes on a variety of topics related to gardening and urban agriculture. Effective and supportive mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students is central to our work.

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From our Blog

Garden Ecology Lab

Garden Ecology Lab Feed

Announcing the Publication of Seven New Garden Ecology Lab Briefs

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Jul 3, 2025

The Garden Ecology Lab engages in research that aims to inform sustainable gardening practices in the Pacific Northwest. Some of our research is conducted as controlled field trials at Oregon State University-owned research sites. Other research projects occur in community … Continue reading

Garden Ecology Lab Graduates and New Lab Member: Anna Janowski

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Jul 1, 2025

This academic year saw the graduation and departure of many Garden Ecology Lab students. Jen graduated with her Ph.D. in horticulture, with an entomology option. Lilly S. graduated with an Honors B.S. in Biology. Anna P. and Kailey both graduated … Continue reading

Meet the Garden Ecology Lab’s New Ph.D. Student, Taylor Janecek

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May 23, 2025

It wasn’t until my first entomology class at Colorado State University as an undergraduate that I learned that working with insects was something one could pursue for their career. Though, like many other naturalists and entomologists, my passion started very … Continue reading

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