More about
Fantasy Gardening
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Much gardening advice is outdated,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: QC@Fantasy-Gardening.com
We will shortly add a page to
the site dealing with FAQs and summarising any good ideas suggested. |
