Page 31 - ALG Issue 2 2025

TOP OF THE PLOTS
resilience of the UK’s growing community.
Participants will be judged on various
aspects of their plots, including plant variety,
resilience, sustainability, and maintenance.
Whether you’re growing vegetables in an
urban backyard, tending a school garden
with children, or managing a thriving
allotment, this competition welcomes all
levels of gardening expertise.
There will be a range of categories for
participants to compete in to celebrate the
variety of garden spaces in the country. The
main awards include Best Allotment - the
finest plot in an official allotment space,
Best Garden Plot – the top home garden
or backyard plot, and Best New Plot – a
plot started in the past 12 months, judged
on seasonal progress and performance.
From these categories, the overall winner
will be crowned Plot of the Year.
Additionally, recognitions will be given for
Kids on the Plot, Best Small Plot – such
as a windowsill garden, Biodiversity on
the Plot, and Best Community Plot.
Mike added, “From school gardens to
community plots, we’re seeing more people
than ever embrace home-growing. This
competition is a fantastic opportunity to
showcase the diversity and creativity of UK
gardeners.
“Allotments and home-growing are
at the heart of communities, promoting
sustainability, biodiversity, and wellbeing.”
Entries close in August 2025, with finalists
announced in early September. As part of the
judging process, Huw Richards will personally
visit the top contenders before the winners
are championed in late September.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than
eating something you’ve grown yourself. ‘Top
of the Plots’ will celebrate the dedication
and skill it takes to turn a patch of soil into a
thriving, productive space,” says Huw.
“Whether you’re a seasoned grower
or just starting out, this competition is a
fantastic opportunity to celebrate the joy
of cultivating your produce and connecting
with nature.”
Mike Farrell added: “At the National
Allotment Society, we know how vital
these spaces are - not just for food, but
for mental wellbeing, education, and social
connection. We’re excited to support this
initiative and see the incredible plots from
across the country.”
GARDENA and the National Allotment
Society invite all gardening enthusiasts
to take part and celebrate the power
of growing their own food, fostering
biodiversity, and creating beautiful,
sustainable plots.
For more information and to enter, visit the GARDENA website:
https://www.gardena.com/uk
Allotment and Leisure Gardener | Issue 2 2025 | 31