top of page

My Favorite Trial Varieties- vegetables, herbs and annual flowers (since 2012)!

Writer's picture: Jenna BonnorontJenna Bonnoront

Thanks in part to my career as a seed trial manager and merchandiser, I've been compiling a list of favorite trial varieties (vegetables, culinary herbs and annual flowers) since around 2012. For those who are interested in viewing the entire list, please feel free to check it out via Google Sheets, using the link below:



Keep in mind that I am gardening in mid-western Ohio, on clay-rich soil, with a short unpredictable spring season, warm/hot and humid summers, and a fall season which could bring drought and temps in the 80s OR snow. Varieties that perform well for me may NOT do the same for you, especially if you are gardening in a significantly different environment. In my experience, varieties that do well for me also work in the areas circled in red on the map below (perhaps even skewing a bit further in all directions in the case of some varieties).



I would have liked to include all of my trial notes as well, but since some of that information is confidential (for the breeder's and seed company's eyes only) I was unable to include it on the Google sheet. But in general, I judge varieties on 3 main criteria:

1. Flavor/Eating Quality

2. Overall Plant Health and Vigor

3. Productivity.

It's a rare occasion where I will recommend a variety that doesn't taste delicious! In the case of ornamental plants, I'm judging based on looks & plant health.


Most of these varieties are available for sale in the United States- a quick Google search of the variety name should bring up several options for those of you who are interested in growing these for yourselves.


As always, I love to hear from you too! Any suggestions for specific varieties I should try are always welcome.


Part of the 2023 trial garden


2,458 views7 comments

Recent Posts

See All

7 comentarios


Jami AuBuchon
Jami AuBuchon
09 ene

You are fantastic to share this valuable info! I had watched your 2024 variety favorites video yesterday and had to come here to get the cumulative list. I think my biggest struggle, besides building my soil, is choosing varieties that will do best in my location in SE Missouri. Thank you for all of your hard work and sharing it with us!

Me gusta

Melissa Hyland
Melissa Hyland
20 ago 2024

I love your videos and also take notes while watching. I would love to have your full annotated spreadsheet! Do you share that amount of info anywhere?

Editado
Me gusta

stulk1
23 feb 2024

Hello, I just started watching your video. They are great and very informative but everything you talk about is very expensive. How can poor families grow food in the dirt in their back yard? What is the least expensive way?

Thank you

Me gusta
Karelynne Ayayo
Karelynne Ayayo
08 mar 2024
Contestando a

I'm no expert, but I'll share a few tips that you might consider.

-I compost everything I can in a 55-gallon trash bin that I converted. This allows me to amend the natural soil in my yard to make it more suitable for growing.


-Check out your local Extension site (mine is the Ohio State University Extension) for any insights or assistance they might give. In my case, the extension partners with my local library (Stark Co, Ohio) and makes seeds available through a Community Seedbank.

Me gusta

Sandy Miller- Paine Falls
Sandy Miller- Paine Falls
24 ene 2024

Thanks so much for posting the list! I sit and furiously take notes from your videos 😂. I was so excited to just receive purple broccoli seeds from Hoss seeds!

Me gusta

barlage93
20 ene 2024

I love this!! Thank you!

Me gusta
Jenna Bonnoront
Jenna Bonnoront
21 ene 2024
Contestando a

You're welcome!

Me gusta
bottom of page