Topic: Looking For Tips !!!!

[Blue Bird]

Our Site secretary has put me forward for the best allotment, this year but would be very grateful for any tips on what the judges may be looking for.
Any ideas ???  ???  ???

[Deb P]

It depends...are they using NSALG rules? There should be a schedule specifying what they are looking for. You are allocated points depending on what is on your plot, condition of veg etc. Last one I saw as an example (from memory):

1/2 point per type of veg (maximum 15)
1 point per fruit (max. 5)
Herbs (max. 5)
Condition of veg
Condition of sheds & greenhouses
Condition of paths
Freedom from annual weeds
Freedom from perennial weeds
Freedom from rubbish
Ornamental features, flowers etc
Provision of water/habitats for animals & wildlife
Conservation of water (water butts etc)
Quality of compost bins

Can't think of anything else! ;D

[Blue Bird]

Hope they do not check inside sheds but only outside.  That does help.  Do you have to label the plants ?

[Deb P]

They seem to like that, I do it anyway. My fave labels at the moment are black plastic written on in white pen...quite unobtrusive and they seem to last really well...so far! ;D

[Blue Bird]

Hi Deb  do you buy your labels or do you make them ?

[Deb P]

Recently got some black labels from eBay, use a white indelible pen to write on. They are a bit more subtle than white labels...look nice on the plot! 8)

[Sinbad7]

Our judges like to see your plot number on  a plaque too.

Label's are a must for extra points.

Good luck, really hope you win.

Sinbad

[Deb P]

I must admit I am very lucky to have a special plot number...it was made by my OH as a suprise Christmas present the first year I had the plot in 2006...the old bit of oak has now mellowed to a nice grey... 8)

[Emagggie]

Deb that is beautiful :o. Good luck to you too ;)

[theothermarg]

They seem to like that, I do it anyway. My fave labels at the moment are black plastic written on in white pen...quite unobtrusive and they seem to last really well...so far! ;D

I cut up the famous black buckets and use a tippex pen
marg

[Emagggie]

How rude of me! Best of luck Bluebird, look forward to hearing good news from you and Deb P. (Saddad let it slip ;D)

[Blue Bird]

Thanks for your best wishes and good luck Deb.P
have painted an old spade that I got from a car bootie..... hope they like the rustic look as cannot match what your OH did for youo.

mt OH not as talented or supportive.

Guess youo have got a good one there Deb.     ;D

[Blue Bird]

Judgement day is Friday for me.  Been there all day today trying to get every thing ship shape.  How are you getting on Deb and when is you J Day ?

[Emagggie]

Fingers crossed for both ;)

[Deb P]

We were judged at the end of last month, just heard I didn't get any prizes...boo hoo! Never mind, one of our 'full time retired' plotholder got 2nd prize for best plot, so that was good. Our site didn't come anywhere this year! :-\

[Emagggie]

Don't cry Deb, there's always next year. Enjoy your lovely plot, prize or not. ;)