To list or not to list? This conundrum poses a perpetually perplexing question for our trials team at Diggers.

“Look at the size of this tomato”, “But is the plant productive enough … and is it too similar to other varieties?” “Isn’t this just the most perfect little melon?” “Oh, but the flavour.” “I love the colour of this flower”, “Really? I don’t like it at all! That one is much prettier.”

And so the conversations go around the trials garden, repeating themselves weekly and in every season. But pity us not – we thoroughly enjoy every second of such challenges! So much so, that we have decided to bring even more opinions and expertise to the table – namely, all of yours.

As much as we would love to list every single heirloom variety we come across, it is simply not viable or sustainable to do so. The Diggers mission is to preserve our collective human heritage through the joy of gardening. That brings forth an overarching mantra: every variety we list must set our members up for success and delight in the garden. Hence every seed undergoes rigorous trialling to meet strict criteria before it is added to our range, including:

  • Is it true to type, i.e. does the plant and its fruit reliably show consistent characteristics?
  • Is it a strong, healthy, vigorous plant that will ensure the success of even the least experienced gardener?
  • Does it look good? Does it taste good?
  • Do we already have this variety, or one that is very similar? If so, which is more favourable?
  • Would I want to grow it in my garden?

Certainly, our pool of professionals and long-term heirloom enthusiasts here at Diggers know a lot. Our eyes are well trained to spot the slightest signs of inconsistencies in the genetic makeup of a tomato or a cucumber. And we know our current range like the back of our hands. But maybe, just maybe, we get so caught up in the detail that we miss the big picture that you and the growing family of our members see. Therefore, we invite you to add your thoughts to ours.

Which flower would you love to see in your garden next year? Which eggplant piques your interest? Which tomato does this one remind you of ? Which growth habit appeals to you, and which one does not? And why?

This phase of trialling is also the time when we get to know a new variety. We learn about how quickly it grows, whether it requires staking and whether it’s an early or late-season crop. We measure it every week and count the days from planting to fruit set to the first harvest, where we then weigh the fruit. We meticulously record every detail of how to grow it to its full potential – and share all that guiding information that ends up on the back of your seed packets.

Throughout this gathering of data, we keep one critical aspect in mind. The key ingredient to every heirloom gardener’s heart is the time- honoured stories. Just as there’s nothing like a campfire to bring forth ghostly tales, there’s nothing like an heirloom trials garden to get us reminiscing about grandma and grandpa’s vegie patch – that 1.5kg tomato they once grew and how it’s the best part of the summer salad we still make today. Oh, and Uncle John still blames Oma’s radishes for all the hairs on his chest. And do you remember, on that last trip to Japan, those carrots that were about a metre long? You’ve never seen anything like it!

These are the stories we want to hear more of – the uniquely personal stories that we love to share with you all. Because these are the stories that hold heirlooms so very close to our hearts and that make the Diggers community so truly special. So come along and visit our gardeners at Heronswood this season to share your stories. Let us know what you would like to grow in your garden and what brings you joy. We look forward to seeing you there.