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In Case You Missed It: Series of Articles Offers a Guide to Wood Substrates

Brian E. Jackson By Brian E. Jackson|May 14, 2026
Figure 1. White pine chips being extruded into wood fiber growing media at P.R. Russell in Brentwood, NH.

White pine chips being extruded into wood fiber growing media at P.R. Russell in Brentwood, NH. Photo: Brian Jackson

Brian Jackson, an assistant professor and co-director of the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory in the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University, is widely considered a go-to expert on growing media in floriculture. In particular, Jackson pays close attention to the development of peat alternatives, and their potential in greenhouse plant production.

Jackson recently completed a six-part series for Greenhouse Grower on the past, present, and future of wood substrates. The series covered:

  • North American Products and Producers
  • Types, Characteristics, and Considerations
  • Global Manufacturing Products and Producers
  • The Viability of Hardwood Trees
  • Western U.S. Tree Species
  • Northeastern U.S. Tree Species

Click here to access the entire series of articles.

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Brian E. Jackson is an assistant professor and co-director of the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory in the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University. See all author stories here.