Dr. James Hartwell, Ph.D.
verified Verified ExpertPlant Pathologist & Integrated Pest Management Specialist
school Ph.D. Plant Pathology, University of Florida (2008)school B.S. Biology, University of Georgia (2003)workspace_premium Board Certified Entomologist (ESA)workspace_premium Licensed Pesticide Applicator (FL-DACS)
Gardeners deserve to know exactly what is attacking their plants and why — not just which chemical to spray. My goal is to put diagnostic-quality pest and disease knowledge in the hands of every homeowner.
About
Dr. Hartwell brings 18 years of applied plant pathology research to KnowTheYard. His field trials at the University of Florida helped develop resistance-breeding protocols now used commercially by nurseries across the Southeast. He has identified over 40 novel fungal pathogens affecting ornamental plants and is a recognized authority on nematode management in warm-season turfgrass.
Editorial Impact
Dr. Hartwell has reviewed 142 plant profiles at KnowTheYard, with deep focus on pest vulnerability windows, disease pressure by region, and the efficacy of organic versus conventional treatment options.
His IPM methodology — emphasizing threshold-based intervention over calendar spraying — now underpins how we present pest management guidance across our entire vegetable and ornamental plant database.
Drawing on his Florida extension work, Dr. Hartwell ensures our Southeast-specific content accurately reflects the unique pathogen pressures, humidity-driven fungal cycles, and pest populations that differ dramatically from cooler regions.
Key Contributions
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142
Plant Profiles Reviewed
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38
Guides Authored
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18
Years Experience
Scientific Specialties
Plant Disease DiagnosticsIntegrated Pest ManagementOrganic Fungicide ResearchResistance BreedingTropical Plant PathologyNematode Management
Guides by Hartwell
pest control
Companion Planting Pest Control for Any Garden
pest control
Dawn Dish Soap for Grubs: What Actually Works
pest control
How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats for Good
pest control
How Much Neem Oil Per Gallon of Water for Safe Pest Control
pest control
How to Mix Neem Oil for Plants Safely and Effectively
pest control
How to Use Neem Oil on Houseplants Safely and Effectively
pest control
How to Use Neem Oil Safely on Plants
pest control
Natural Pest Control for Gardens That Actually Works
pest control
Plants That Repel Japanese Beetles in Home Gardens
pest control
Plants That Repel Squash Bugs in Vegetable Beds
pest control
Signs of Grubs in Lawn and How to Confirm Them
pest control
Where Do Aphids Come From And Why They Keep Returning
pest control
Where Do Grubs Come From In Your Lawn and Garden
pest control
Yellow Leaves on Tomato Plants: Diagnose and Fix Fast
planting
White Spots on Plant Leaves: Causes and Fixes That Work
Plant Profiles Reviewed
Cantaloupe: Sweet Melons From Your Garden
Cucumber for Home Vegetable Gardens
Eggplant: Warm-Season Favorite for Backyard Beds
Pepper Plants (Capsicum annuum) for Home Gardens
Squash (Cucurbita): Summer and Winter Types
Tomato: Grow Big Flavor in Any Backyard
Watermelon: Big Vines, Bigger Summer Harvests
Zucchini: Productive Summer Squash Workhorse
