Comments from Participants

Impacts

We conduct a survey of our gardeners at the end of every year. The latest survey was in January 2024. Two hundred and ninety-three (68%) of 430 gardeners in the 2023 trials responded. This survey showed:

• 99% of gardeners would recommend this program to other gardeners.
• 98% of gardeners were introduced to new varieties.
• 92% of gardeners will change the way they grow their garden in the future. 
• 87% of gardeners reported more productive gardens. 
• 81% of gardeners reported healthier diets. 

Youth were encouraged to participate in the trials. Parents in these households reported:

• 90% of children improved their diets.
• 85% of children increased their level of physical activity. 
• 75% of children sharpened their skills in math and science.

Feedback

Here is a small sample of comments from gardeners:

• I love being involved with ND Home Garden Trials. It gives me a chance to try new seed varieties and to find new favorites!
• I have been planting these varieties since the program’s inception. I have found so many new varieties that I love!
• I love helping NDSU to gather information and I learn something in exchange.
• As a home gardener, I appreciate the value of impartial reviews from fellow gardeners on varieties suited for our area rather than having to gamble on glowing recommendations from seed vendors.
• This program is a great way to learn about new varieties and assist with research. 
• The program has become a tradition that we do every summer as a family. The kids choose the seeds they want to grow, and are involved in every step. I’m so glad they are learning gardening skills that they can take with them when they start their own families someday!
• Over the years there have been several varieties that I tried and will continue planting in my garden.
• I have learned about so many different varieties of vegetables and flowers that I would have never tried.  I am so glad I did because some of those varieties are now our favorites.  Totally enjoy this project and look forward to it every year.
• This is the best program available for gardeners to expand their horizons, and also reap the benefits!
• All of the melon and squash varieties I currently grow were found through my participation in this wonderful program. 
• I now know varieties that grow better in our area.
• The trials make me aware of the varieties best suited to North Dakota.
• It helps me to approach gardening in a more systematic and scientific fashion, incorporating leading varieties.  It's truly helpful to have these data to help sort out the wheat from the chaff of marketing for varieties that you encounter nowadays.
• Having trials for ND gardens is so helpful for a young person like me just getting started in the garden. Thanks to Extension, my brother and I have created many memories with our quest for garden knowledge together. 
• Most of the varieties I grow now I found through these garden trials.
• It is fun and enjoyable and a great learning experience.