Q: I am a chemistry student at Emory University. I enjoyed your website article about evaluating scientific claims. I would really like to know chemical and biological explanations for all the gardening information I see. Do you have suggested references?

A: My training as a University of Georgia Extension agent gave me the scientific background to understand gardening but my experience as a 4-H club member gave me the skills to present science in an entertaining way. I can think of four good books for you: “Decoding Gardening Advice” and “The Truth About Garden Remedies” by Jeff Gillman plus “The Informed Gardener” and “Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens” by Linda Chalker-Scott. Both authors use a science-based background to explain the how’s and why’s of gardening.