Test methods measuring
real differences
Too often gardeners are given information which is anecdotal
and not based on proper testing. In Fantasy Gardening plants
are tested by independent researchers under controlled conditions
using methods designed to show real rather than random effects.
Differences, for example, in plant height or weight, will usually
be based on tests using several plants for each treatment -
not just a single plant. Some differences measured in these
tests can be shown by statistical analysis to be significantly
different - others will not be significantly different. Any
final conclusions or comments made in the Results section of
each game will take account of statistical analysis of the data.
Useful information
Much gardening advice is outdated, untested, often simply
regurgitated and second hand or based on very limited or localised
experience. Fantasy Gardening games are based on tests carried
out by independent research organisations by trained staff
using standard research techniques applied to garden plants
using gardening methods.
Fantasy Gardening games provide you with
information, sometimes new, on plants, on techniques and products
used to grow plants and on how to contact the companies sponsoring
prizes and supplying the products used.
Regular updates
Fortunes can change quickly when growing plants. Follow
the development of the plants right through the growing season.
Results will be posted as soon as possible after they have
been recorded by the researchers. However, in some cases involving
a published competition, posting on the Fantasy Gardening
website may have to follow issue of the publication on a particular
day.
Helpful Tips
We pass on practical tips for easier or more
successful gardening
Important: these 'games' are serious
- all tests with plants are carried out by independent researchers
using scientific methods to make sure we get meaningful results.
Prizes
There may be prizes for the best predictions of the results.
(Why should football fans have all the fun?) Some games will
be sponsored in cooperation with a gardening column or other
publication and will give you the opportunity to enter a competition
for prizes.
At present only UK sponsors and UK publications
are being involved in Fantasy Gardening and therefore it may
only be appropriate for UK residents to enter published competitions.
The Terms and Conditions for competitions
with prizes will be set out where appropriate by the relevant
publication.
Your input
Let us have your constructive views on the site. How can we
make it more interesting or useful. Suggest some plants, products
or methods of growing plants which you would like to see tested
or compared.
Any queries?
You can e-mail us at:
We will shortly add a page to the site dealing
with FAQs and summarising any good ideas suggested
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