Page 15 - Simply Vegetables Summer 2022

Spring Vegetable Shows
Over the years of judging at various shows I have not seen a Spring vegetable show, one show I judge at had a vegetable section along with the usual daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers (Polyanthus, pansy, spring flowering shrubs etc.). I thought it a good idea to have a vegetable section to keep the vegetable growers happy, although some I know also grow and show daffodils; but it set me wondering are there any spring vegetable shows and if not why?
I realise there are not the same number of vegetables available for showing in March / April as there are for summer and autumn shows, but with a bit of thought it is possible to put together a reasonable schedule for a small show say a D.A evening show. I was wondering why this has not happened, is it because exhibitors like a break from showing; no one has organised a show, growers are too busy growing for the coming summer / autumn shows? Or there may be spring vegetable shows that I am not aware of, if so, please send some details and we can give them a bit of publicity. I would also be interested if exhibitors want spring shows.
Out of interest I thought I would put together a spring show “schedule” for
a show between late February and early April using vegetables that should be available either from the garden or storage. Holding a spring show could possibly encourage more people to grow vegetables at this time of the year and become more self-sufficient in home grown food which is all for the good.
The show could be judged to NVS existing rules, the number of vegetables per plate could be modified if required. Below is set out a sample schedule:
5 Jerusalem Artichokes exhibited on a plate
5 Sprouting Broccoli
2 Cabbage Savoy type
3 Carrots (either from storage or lifted)
1 Cauliflower Walcheren Winter 3 (or similar cultivar)
1 plate of Kale leaves
5 Kalettes
3 Leeks
1 Lettuce (possibly grown in
polytunnel or greenhouse)
2 Radicchio
3 Onions (from store)
3 Parsnips
1 plate Pea shoots or a container of of growing shoots
1 Winter Squash (from store)
3 Winter Radish
3 Scorzonera
3 Salsify
3 Swede (from store or freshly dug)
3 Forced Rhubarb
3 Apples (from store)
Salad leaves or other leaves could be included although these tend to wilt quickly, they could be exhibited in a vase to overcome the wilting. I am sure you keen exhibitors could come up with other possible exhibits. The use of crops from store not only shows the growing skills required but also the storage and this should be encouraged to give a longer supply of homegrown produce.
An alternative could be a tomato in pots to be judged on the quality of the plant or a tray of seedlings showing the correct density and evenness of sowing. In the preserves section there could be pickled onions, gherkins, beetroot, cauliflower etc. The cookery section could have rhubarb crumble, carrot cake, etc.
So would spring shows be poplar with exhibitors and the public, is there a demand? Please give some feedback, your views are of interest.
Kelvin Mason
Red clover green manure 31.3.15 (2)
Progrow pile
Strawy manure
the fire including firelighters. The potash
is very soluble and is easily leached out
so apply to growing crops and not in the autumn or winter. An alternative would be to mix it with manure or compost and apply it in the spring.
So, what does the typical organic matter add to the soil in the way of nutrients, I have set out some figures from various sources below to give a guide.
There are other materials that could be used just keep an eye open at work or on your travels you will be surprised at what people and companies throw away and they will be glad to get rid of it. The main thing is to regularly add organic matter that contains some nutrients to the soil, and
this will keep it topped up and maintain your yields. If you know anyone who shoots game or a butcher feathers are well worth acquiring for 15% nitrogen.
Simply Vegetables 15