Consider soil conditions and climate factors that influence production during the growing season. You must be aware of the likelihood of specific pest problems occurring, when they are expected and if there are potential economical control measures. Select varieties with resistance or tolerance to major pests if they meet other desired criteria. Lastly, consider cultural systems in variety selection. To find information on variety performance, start with your seed company representatives.
Major companies conduct many research plot and on-farm trials throughout the country.
Often there will be trials in your area that you can visit during the year. Companies may also have trial quantities of new releases available at reduced cost or no fee at all. University variety trials are often the best source for comparing varieties from different sources and seeing how they perform in your area. Universities in the mid-Atlantic region develop lists of recommended varieties for each state. These are published in the Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations guide, which is available at your county Extension office.