As I understand it, UC Davis cuttings are intended for distribution to researchers who will use the cuttings for research. I consider myself an honest person (most of the time) and would rather not take advantage of this program if it means having to misrepresent myself. I can afford to buy cuttings elsewhere, but as a California tax payer, I would like to (for once) receive some benefits if I am entitled.

 

So, I tend to grow things a little bit unconventionally. When I hear that I should not do something, I like to do it anyway, just to see how and why it might fail, or what I might be able to do to get around the cause of failure. If I have five of the same plant or tree, I will plant one in ideal conditions, another one in an area that gets no irrigation, another one with poor sunlight, another irrigated with salinated water from my well, etc. I also practice some permaculture techniques - with varying results. I keep track of what worked and what didn't, and then try to find ways to improve. I then share my experiences in this and other forums as well as local groups such as the CRFG.

 

As far as UC Davis is concerned, would that sort of trial and error experimentation be considered research?