KG forum seeds trial 2017?

[Pawty]

Hi,

So, I was playing catch up with Gardeners World at the weekend. I was really interested in the results of the seed trial, growing the same seed varieties in different parts of the U.K.

As we have lots of forum members up and down the uk (and some much further afield) I was wondering if we could do a bit of an experiment with some of the free KG mag seeds?

The idea is that we pick maybe three free packs (can agree later - veg and flowers) then we all agree to sow the whole pack within a week. Conditions don't matter - I.e location, soil type, raised beds, pots, greenhouses, started in a windowsill, or straight in the soil - as many different conditions the better!

We just have to record what we do when, the conditions, thing added to encourage growth and then report back and maybe take some progress (or not) photos.

Maybe KG could keep an eye on how it goes (and join in!) and feature the progress? I would find the results really interesting I reckon I could learn a lot!

Appreciate that not everyone gets the magazine all of the time - so maybe people who don't have the free seeds could get hold of some of the same variety and also report back?

Anyway just an idea, so would love to know if everyone would like to join in!

Pawty

[mr-cecil]

Not a bad idea. However, if you wanted to be more scientific, you'd probably do it the other way around....everyone follows the same method / sows at the same time etc, and the only thing that is different is the location / soil.

Another approach might be for people to suggest things that they have always wanted to grow but never had any luck.

[Geoff]

Great idea - happy to be included - except for whole pack unless they are special small packets.

[Diane]

I'll join in too.

[Monika]

I like it, I like it .... so I will keep my free seeds from now on, until it has been decided which varieties to use.

[Westi]

Like the idea Pawty!

I'm in for that even in not the whole pack. Might make the seed suppliers give better information for different parts of the country as well. Also would be interested in what treatments members use for different things, both soil prep and bug control!

Westi

[PLUMPUDDING]

Good idea. There'll be quite a lot of variables though including later sowing and planting out dates further north.

[KG Emma]

Great idea. The editorial team do not know what seeds are being given away yet but as soon as we get any information we will try and give you the heads up.

[Pawty]

Hi,

Thanks, that would be great!

The more people the better! And if there's any variable anyone wants to test particularly we can try and make sure that's included.

I've probably got KG seeds from the last few issues, so can always check what these were as well.

Pawty

[Pa Snip]

KILLJOY WARNING

oh boy, Potential nightmare ahead.

Can you imagine the discussion about what the trial should try to establish and content, method and rules.
"Lets not grow radishes, too easy and I don't like them".
"Oh lettuce, boring"
"I haven't got, and cant afford to buy, any John Innes No1 so can I use my home made compost"

I hope to goodness KG decide the seed type and the methodology (if any needed) that should be used.
If down to us it would be past sowing time before we agree

My mind goes back to all the variables that were put forward when we were asked our opinion about the forum colour. Who would have thought there could be so much discussion about the colour green and a white or grey background

[Diane]

I think we could vote by poll. Just an easy one. 6 varieties to choose from. Whichever gets the most votes - then that's it..no squabbling. Choice of either multipurpose or seed compost. Sowing dates to be decided by KG.

[KG Steve]

No worries everyone - we will lay down some easy to follow ground rules, so there should be no arguments

[Pa Snip]

No worries everyone - we will lay down some easy to follow ground rules, so there should be no arguments

The world loves an optimist ................................................ (only jesting)

[Westi]

I'm a thinking I missed the point here. I thought the seeds were chosen & then we plant in a specific time frame of a week. (Although I think 2 separate weeks a bit apart would be better, but have to sow in both weeks - with photo evidence). When the results are in then we share what we grew them in, how we watered, fed them, companion planting, treated the nasties etc?

I'm interested in the techniques & stuff - anyone can sow seeds & get lucky but then a few will excel & they're the ones I want to know the how off.

Westi

[oldherbaceous]

Just to put the cat amongst the pigeons a little, i thought the real test of a good gardener was, to sow when the conditions were at there best!!!
So, surely if it is really nice in one part of the country and awful in another part, a wise gardener wouldn't sow until things improved, or it could be a waste of seed.
All the other bits about keeping records on feeding, transplanting and so on are excellent......it should be fun and interesting.