Page 54 - ALG Issue 1 2017

Growing for showing
We all know the great bene ts of growing our own vegetables, whether we grow in back gardens, window boxes, containers or allotments, the satisfaction of producing homegrown is second to none. The vegetables always taste much better and what I really nd enjoyable is sharing with friends and family. The comments received make all the hard work worthwhile. But have you ever thought of growing some vegetables for exhibition?
I manage growing for the kitchen table along with some exhibition vegetables
to support our local show. I have been exhibiting for a long time and each year I try to achieve better vegetables to put on the bench. We all have to start somewhere so there is some research to be done; where do you start? Firstly decide what you would like to grow, perhaps potatoes, cauli ower or
maybe marrows. The research could begin by talking to gardeners who exhibit; there are also books to reference and, of course, the internet. Have some fun in the winter months gathering your research together. Most vegetables grown for exhibition make ne specimens for the pot so don’t think they are tough and tasteless - they make lovely eating.
So what should I grow? As I said, this kind of gardening may be a new challenge to you, so think about starting with something easy; surprisingly onions, leeks, parsnips and carrots are not particularly easy or straightforward. So what would be some good veggies to start with? For those of us who want to have a go with little expense and commitment, why not try things like beetroot, cauli ower, marrow or shallots?
If you want to start off growing for showing
with some of the harder vegetables - well done you!
Once your prize veggies are grown and placed with pride on the show bench ready for the judging, they will be inspected by the judges under the following categories; condition, size, form, shape, colour and uniformity. The judge will then award points to each category and the exhibit with the most points wins the coveted Red Card, which can have pride of place inside your allotment shed.
If your allotment has an annual ower vegetable show (usually held in August) why not have a go! I am sure you will have great fun and impress your fellow gardeners, family and friends.
Peter Ryan
Wales Allotment Mentor
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