FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to grow all 8 trials?

No – you select how many and which trials to participate in.

Do I have to grow all 6 varieties in one trial?

Yes – all 6 varieties of one trial must be grown and data collected for each. Consider garden plot size when selecting trials to participate in (see info above for spacing needs of each plant). We do recommend growing to maturity at least 2 of each seed variety just in case.

You will need to “start” all seeds received (5-16 of each of the 6 varieties in a trial)– either direct sow or inside. You only need to “keep” a maximum of 2 plants to grow during the season of each seed variety for data purposes (so 6-12 plants in each trial). Garden and indoor start space should consider this need as well.

How do I register?
Go to the Registration page for more information.

What is the cost to participate?
The participation fee is $15, whether you grow one, two, or all eight trials. The fee covers mailing costs. 

What if I am not home when the seeds are mailed?
It is ok if your mail is held at the Post Office; if you are not holding mail, please make sure someone is collecting your mail so seeds don’t freeze.

Are Intern Master Gardeners allowed to participate?
Yes! Interns are welcome. However, we received feedback over the years from interns that they would not recommend interns participate unless they were doing so together with their mentor or a larger group.

Do I have to follow growing directions (starting seed inside, sun considerations, etc.)
Yes, you MUST follow the provided directions for starting your seed and growing your plants, otherwise the data from all the participants are not comparable.

How is data collected?
ONLINE - Data is collected Online via a google form – a link will be provided to all registered participants. All data must be submitted via the google form.

MAIL - Paper forms for data collection must be returned as well for data verification purposes.

What if I am not home when the seeds are mailed?
It is ok if your mail is held at the Post Office; if you are not holding mail please make sure someone is collecting your mail so seeds don’t freeze.

What if my garden is not located in the county I reside?
That is not an issue; please indicate the county you reside in for registration; In the comments section note the county you will be growing the seed in.

Where can I find more info about the Seed Trials?
Our google site provides examples of data forms and other information: https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/mnmastergardenerseedtrial

Where can I find past reports?
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/master-gardener-seed-trials

I forgot how to sow my seeds
Refer to the Seed Starting page or the Registration Page

I lost my Trial ID
Contact the Seed Trial Committee (mgseedtrials@umn.edu)

I started all my seeds for the trial and now I have 56 healthy plants, but I don't have the space for that many! What do I do?
We ask you to start all the seeds in order to get the germination data, after you record the germination information, you can select 1 or 2 of each variety to grow out. Then select one of those to capture data on. Thus you are growing a max of 12 plants and a minimum of 6 - one CF, one DK, one JH, one LG, one MB, one ST.

None of my seeds germinated - can I get more?
Unfortunately no - but we do want you to record how many seeds you sowed and that none germinated and turn that information in!

Can I grow the seeds in containers or do they have to "be in the ground"
Containers can be used for the trials. 

My seeds germinated, but then a squirrel dug them up and now I can't tell the varieties apart / hail destroyed them/ a bunny ate them/ etc. What do I do?
This happens to about 10% of our trials every year - we ask that you record what you can on germination and then leave comments as to why you have no further data. 

My evaluation form got wet/lost
Print a new copy from the "Paper Forms" Page - in the upper right corner of each trial is a double arrow - click there and it will take you to a printable form.

Do you really need my original paper form?
YES! You really do. Every year we need to check answers against answers recorded online - please make sure you send us copies of your data forms via post to 7312 Wooddale Ave. S Edina, MN 55435 or via email to mgseedtrials@umn.edu (take and upload photos - great if  you can rename TRIAL NAME ID). 

Recording Volunteer Hours
See the Recording Volunteer Hours page for more information