Due to space constraints, I grow a few plants of each F2 or F3 line I'm working on, maybe as few as 4 of each line at home. I look for the growth characteristics, blossom truss characteristics, fruit shape, color, size, etc., and then taste test the results.
Those that don't make the grade during the plant growth or fruit production phases get yanked and tossed. Those that don't make the fruit characteristic goals get eaten or given away. Those that don't make the flavor grade by the F3 get dried or sauced. Those with the most promise have seeds extracted for F4 and beyond.
Anything that shows promise gets grown out in subsequent years at home.
Also due to space constraints, I have local friends and online friends who grow out additional test plants. When I cannot get to their gardens to examine the plants, they report with photos and taste test results. I used to use the Master Gardeners display garden as well, but no longer do that. But there is a huge opportunity for you to grow larger test plots at community gardens of one kind or another.
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