Seed catalogs are full of new varieties every spring. Are these varieties any good? We honestly don't know.
North Dakota State University is developing a team of 200 gardeners to test promising varieties of vegetables and flowers. Gardening is for everyone, and everyone (including kids) is welcome to participate.
Gardeners can select among 44 trials to participate in. These trials include green beans, carrots, melons, zucchini, sunflowers, zinnias and much more. Each trial is a comparison of two varieties. NDSU wants to know which of the two varieties in each trial was healthier, produced a higher yield (veggies or flowers) and tasted/looked better. Marking stakes and instructions are provided. There is a small fee of $1 per trial (50 cents per seed packet).
At the end of the year, gardeners receive a final report from results across the state as well as a certificate that recognizes their participation.
To learn more about this fun project, go to (www.dakotagardener.com/trials/). Download our seed catalog and online ordering is available. For more information, contact NDSU educator Dr. Tom Kalb at 221-6865 for a brochure. We are accepting orders for seeds now.