FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to grow all eight trials?

• No – you select how many and which trials to participate in.  You can choose one or all eight!

Do I have to grow all varieties in one trial?

• Yes – all 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). 

• You will need to “start” all seeds received. You only need to “keep” two plants of each variety growing for the duration of the season.  Garden and indoor start space should be considered.

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, and after you record the germination information, you can select one or two 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.

How do I register?

• Go to the Registration page for more information.

• Note: Have limited access to the internet? Register via phone to the Arboretum (612.301.1210)

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.

Do I have to follow growing directions (starting seed inside, sun considerations, plant spacing, etc.)

• Yes, you will need to follow the directions we've provided for starting your seeds and growing your plants, otherwise the data from all the participants will not be comparable.

How is data collected?

• Participants must submit data online and return paper forms

• ONLINE - Data is collected Online via a Google form. All data must be submitted via the Google Form.

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

This is my INTERN YEAR – can I participate in trials?

• Yes – however, we recommend that you sign up with a buddy/mentor in your county, especially if you don’t have experience starting seeds. 

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.

I forgot how to sow my seeds

• Refer to the Seed Starting page or the Registration page for additional information.

I lost my Trial ID 

• Contact the Seed Trial Committee (mgseedtrials@umn.edu).

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!

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! We 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