Re: Magazine Test Gardens

**"Doreen Howard" d*@ticon.net**

>From my experiences at Woman's Day and Mother Earth News, I offer the
following.

At WD, I tested all the new plants a year or two in advance and then decided
which to recommend to readers.  At the time, I was gardening in probably the
toughest climate in the USA.  I figured if a plant would succeed in Zone
9b--hot and humid Gulf Coast Texas--it would succeed most everywhere.  I
also talked to gardeners in a couple of other climate areas to get their
experiences with the new plants.

At Mother Earth, I grow a plant before I recommend it.  I've lived and
gardened in every USDA climate zone except 3 and have a good idea on how
things perform.  When I profile a particular flower or veggie, I also talk
to growers in at least three different climate regions of the country for
perspective--what problems do they encounter, are transplants necessary or
can you direct seed, etc.

In my humble opinion, hands-on experience tells a writer much.  But,
gathering info about the plant from different climates (especially those
that are difficult) is also important.

The ideal way to test plants, IMHO, is have a staff writer or editor grow
it, along with a couple of testers in diverse climates.
Doreen Howard

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