I had raised planter boxes added to my yard. I was hoping to try new ideas, food and flowers. How can I become a test garden ?

As I understand the term, a "test garden" is one where we plant stuff and observe...
Where things are allowed to die.... And if it looks bad in the drought... It still doesn't get watered...

Alternatively, there are seed suppliers that will provide seed for grow-out... I can't really suggest any off hand, but there's nothing like writing and offering to test their seed in your conditions.

Are you thinking of National Gardening Association tester, as mentioned in this article?

http://garden.org/learn/articl...

Hi Jre
I was a test gardener for quite a few years in the 1990's. I have farm acreage, so I had plenty of room to spread out the test seeds/plants I received in January & the comparison seeds/plants I bought. You used to fill in paperwork with the results. I'm sure it's all electronic reporting now. Charlie Nardozy ran the program. I really enjoyed working with the program. I urge you to check it out.