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

 

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?