Get ready to dig in – the 8th Annual Home Garden Trials have officially arrived, and this is your chance to become a real citizen scientist right in your own backyard (or community plot)!
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, part of a community garden project, or have eager young growers at home, we invite YOU to participate. It’s simple, rewarding, and incredibly impactful:
Just grow two selected varieties of our chosen vegetables, herbs, or cut flowers, then share your observations and comparisons throughout the growing season. Your hands-on data helps us evaluate top-performing varieties for Ohio gardens – your input truly makes a difference!
This year’s lineup is bursting with possibilities:
- 5 Warm-Season Trials – perfect for those sun-loving crops!
- 5 Cool-Season Trials – ideal for early spring and fall favorites!
- 1 Herb Trial – fresh flavors straight from your plot!
- 1 Flower Trial – bring beauty and pollinators to your space!
- 1 Special Youth Trial – designed especially for our young gardeners to get growing and learning!
Participation is easy and affordable:
- Each trial costs just $3.
- Get seeds shipped directly to your home for $8, or pick them up at your local Extension office for only $4 (convenient and budget-friendly!).
Sign-ups start TODAY and run through February 15 – don’t wait, spots fill up fast!
Seeds will ship around March 15, giving you plenty of time to prep your garden and get planting.
Ready to jump in? Head over to https://go.osu.edu/ohioveggies right now! You’ll find:
- Full details on this year’s exciting varieties
- The link to the order form to secure your spot
This is more than just growing plants – it’s contributing to real science, connecting with gardeners across Ohio, and discovering which varieties thrive best in our climate. Last year was a huge success, and we’re on track for an even bigger one in 2026!
Grab your trowel, rally your family or community group, and let’s make this growing season legendary.
Happy gardening – we can’t wait to see (and hear!) about your results!
Grow strong, The Ohio State University Extension Home Garden Trials Team https://go.osu.edu/ohioveggies