Topic: Winter judging \ do you?

[markfield rover]

We have summer judging and are now thinking of winter judging too,this will be our first time and I was wondering if anyone has any tips , including the best time for this. I did a quick search here but did not find anything . Any thoughts would be great .
Many thanks.

[Tee Gee]

Judging what?

Plots or produce?

What do you have in mind then probably we could develop it from there!

[davyw1]

I have never come across any winter shows for judging to take place i think the last i know of is Doncaster National Chrysanth Society.

[markfield rover]

 Good point, it will be plots we have over the ten sites about 300 plots and people have the option to enter or not,we are in the West Midlands ,Hereford and so it will be important to get the time right .
Cheers Tee Gee

[Tee Gee]

Initially what is in my mind is;

There would be similarities to summer judging e.g. general tidyness and crops on the go etc.

For example; judging those who are growing winter crops.

Treat these like summer produce but allowing for the fact that stuff might look a bit sad and frozen but a judge worth his/her salt would see what potential the crop /s come harvesting time!

Consideration for  those who have tidied there plot up including winter digging prior to winter.

With this you would have to set a deadline to give the plot holders a chance to get a bit of digging/tidying up done prior to this date!

For example; My plot is winter dug already and what with the frosts we are getting at the moment there would very little chance of getting any digging done during such a spell.

Had you come up with this idea during late summer you could have used the 31st Dec as you cut off date

So perhaps you could use a date in January/February for your first try, see how it goes then learn from your mistakes for future judging! where then you could use a date like 31st Dec or the first week January to allow people to do a bit of titty vating during the holidays if they are not too hung over.

Or you could say the end of January and give people a chance to work off their Xmas Indulgence!

In my opinion I think you can only try things like these then develop it from there!

I hope that gives you some food for thought...Tg

[markfield rover]

Many thanks Tee Gee very useful .

[cornykev]

Prettiest icicle
Biggest puddle
Muddiest plot
Most rubbish blown on plot
Most upright shed/greenhouse, after the winds
 

[Borlotti]

Good one Kev.

[markfield rover]

We have only one cup and £50 ,worth a punt tho'.

[Digeroo]

I am right up against the hedge on the leaward side, so I will claim the most rubbish blown onto plot prize.

And the most cabbages stolen prize.    And the most plastic bottle cloches rolling about the place prize and the most deer ploppings on my strawberries. 

And bonus points for having a hedgehog.

[cornykev]

I knew I'd forgot something, the ole hedgehog bonus point, glad that's cleared up it's been bugging me.   

[Digeroo]

On a more serious note.  I am not sure that having a winter prize would make any difference.  Our plots fall into three categories.  The neatly dug ones which are usually mostly empty, the weedy ones, and the few still containing crops.   I suppose it could encourage more people to grow winter crops.

Far to soggy underfoot at the moment to do much.  Not seen many people doing more than a cropping run recently.

[markfield rover]

I think we will give it a go but it may be an idea to give people plenty of notice and plan for winter 2013.
Thanks all,good to see the pantomime season alive and well.
Cheers and merry Christmas.