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| Deb Lynch - Washington County Master Gardener Click on any photo to enlarge |
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| Yellow Patty Pan Squash |
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| Asian Greens - Green Mustard |
Since 1982, University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners across the state have volunteered each year to try selected annual vegetable and flower seeds. This research provides information for gardeners in Minnesota and the upper Midwest by volunteers comparing varieties and sharing their feedback through online resources and published articles. This year the Giving Garden allocated 2 rows for seed trials: Asian Greens and Patty Pan Squash. Each row has 36 inches of garden space per trial variety and each trial consists of six varieties. This is a blind trial and each pack of seeds was coded so the identify is not known. Specific instructions on planting the seed, growing the plants and evaluating the results was included in the directions. We will report to the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Seed Trial program on how well the plants perform, number of vegetables per plant, flavor, etc. as summer progresses. All produce not "tasted" will be donated to Valley Outreach. We will also use the trial, plants and vegetables for teaching projects with our young volunteers.
So far the patty pan squash plants are growing very well and the Asian Greens were replanted last week due to weather. Watch the blog for more reports!
- Contributed by Deb Lynch - Master Gardener
