If you're new(er) to Mary's Heirloom Seeds, you may not be familiar with my Garden Challenges. Every year it's something different. We have done tomatoes, peppers, longest cucumber, tallest sunflower and even longest/largest radish.
I also offer prizes in the form of seeds and gift certificates throughout the challenges as well as at the end of the challenges.
This year, I've decided to do something different. I've chosen 3 varieties to grow. These 3 are easy to grow, fast(er) maturing and can be preserved a few ways. "Preservation" is one of my 2026 goals.
Whether you have a small garden or a farm, whether you grow in containers or in ground, you can definitely try your hand at growing these crops.
Are you ready for the big reveal?
Mary's 2026 Grow Something Garden Challenge
This is not a longest/tallest/largest garden challenge. Just Grow Something! The 3 heirloom varieties I am challenging you to grow are:
| EASTER EGG RADISH | RONDE DE NICE SQUASH | ROYALTY PURPLE PODDED BEAN |
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These seeds can be purchased individually or check out the
2026 Garden Challenge Seed Combo Pack
3 packs for only $3.50!
Would you like to join us?
Here's how it works. This is going to be a fun contest with prizes during and at the end of the challenge.
-Seeds must be purchased from Mary's Heirloom Seeds
-Seeds must be grown in 2026 since the contest ends in August 2026
-Please register with us as soon as possible via email to mary@marysheirloomseeds.com with the subject "2026 Garden Challenge"
-There will be a check-in posted once a month at Mary's Heirloom Seeds if you would like to comment and share your "growth" throughout the challenge. The first check-in will be posted on February 1st and will be available for 5 days.
-Final check-in is August 30, 2026 but you can send in your entry as soon as you are ready.
-This challenge is open to residents of the US and Canada
-Take pictures! We love to see your gardens and this is a great way to share your progress
-Have fun!
What can you win?
The monthly check-in and giveaway opportunity will be posted on Mary's Blog at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. I will use an app to pull a random winner from the post each month.
Another monthly check-in and giveaway opportunity will be posted on my main page Mary's Heirloom Seeds on FB. I will use an app to pull a random winner from the post each month.
THE FIRST CHECK-IN IS FEBRUARY 1, 2026
**You do not need to check in on fb to win the final prizes.**
The final check-in will be posted to MARY'S BLOG at Mary's Heirloom Seeds with instructions. You will need to email mary@marysheirloom seeds for the final check-in on or before August 30, 2026
Each month, I will give out 2 $10 gift certificates.
BONUS, just for entering and then doing the final check-in, I will pick 5 entrants at random for $25 gift certificates.
That's a total of 14 - $10 gift certificates and 5 - $25 gift certificates!
All you have to do is grow along with us. Are you ready?
23 comments
Coming in a bit late! But ready to start this challenge.
I love Mary’s seed. They germinate so so good. I am amazed on how fast my seeds get shipped out. I can’t wait to plant in may. Still frozen outside 😆.
Love the fun and excitement of a 2026 Garden Challenge! I’ve never grown radishes, beans or squash, so this will truly be a challenge! Let’s grow!!
Hi I am in BC Canada and today the sun is shining Jan 25 we have had our first frost and night are cold 28 F 2c
Yes 2026 Garden Challenge! I will email you telling you I’m joining the challenge 2026!
Hope I am not too late to jump on the 2026 challenge wagon…
I am not good on growing radishes, though your Daikon radishes grew so well in my garden last year, but I also love regular sized red radishes, so I feel like I have to give it a try.
Beans are one of my favorite veggies, and if I will be good with growing these purple beauties, I’ll try (and share) my little trick how to keep some of that color from turning red (I used this trick with Red Chinese noodle beans, and it worked!
And I can always use fast maturing squash with fancy French name before my favorite Tromboncino will be ready to eat.
So excited and thankful for this fun growing adventure. My sweet friend and I are doing this side by side in our neighboring yards, yet individually. Let the growing and gardening fun begin!! <3
I love this idea. I’m ordering them today. This is my first time participating so I’m curious if first ck in, is in Feb how do we do that if we are in an area that, that’s to early to start certain seeds?
Count me in 😀 this will be so fun!
This will be my first garden challenge. I recently discovered this site and have been loving watching all your informative gardening videos. Last year was my first year gardening and I’m hoping to learn all I can so I can grow food for my family to eat and some flowers to bring in the bees.
I’m in! I just ordered the combo pack! I just hope I don’t forget to check in. Lol I’m also planting in soil that is new to me. So we will see what happens!
I am in! I ordered seeds and you just shipped them. Talk about fast Mary you are on the ball! Wow
I am excited to join in.
Getting close to seed season! Can’t wait :)
My first time to try this! Ordered seeds today…
My first challenge. Good lick everyone!
I have accepted this as my first Mary’s challenge and ordered the seeds. Yay!