Growing and showing can be fun
Entering your local show can be a fun way to expand your knowledge of growing. And when it comes to growing for shows Colin Spires has been there, done it, and judged it too. He's even written the book - literally!
Colin, vice-chairman of the RHS Fruit Veg and Herb Committee, was in charge of revising the RHS Horticultural Show Handbook. "We wanted to make it easy to understand for both judges and exhibitors," said Colin, "so we've included advice as well as diagrams to explain more obscure terms or even types of daffodil."
If the Campaign for Plain English ever needed an ambassador then Colin Spires would make a great one. "One of the first things we changed was how we named things. Apples used to be called by their Latin name in the Handbook - Malus domestica. But you don't go into a greengrocer and ask for a pound of Malus domestica! Everybody calls them 'apples' so that's how you'll find them in the handbook too."
And if you've got any doubts about entering your local show Colin has some great news for you. "Everybody's so friendly and helpful. Gardeners, growers and exhibitors are the same everywhere.
"When I entered my first show, someone came across and helped me set up my first plate of fruit. When he'd finished helping me, he uncovered his own entry, looked at it and told me 'Yours is better'. You wouldn't get that anywhere else."
Top tips for show newcomers
Fancy entering your local show? Here are some key tips from top fruit and veg judge Colin Spires to help you get started.
- Talk to the people who are already competing in your local show. "I've found the amount of free advice you get from people is incredible," said Colin.
- Grow the easier varieties of fruit, veg or flowers. "Some varieties are very difficult to grow," said Colin. "It's worth looking at the entries at local and RHS shows and asking which ones are easier to grow when you're starting out."
- Read the show schedule carefully. "You'd be amazed at the number of entries that are disqualified because they haven't read the schedule properly."
- Take your time when you're displaying your entry. "Don't leave it to the last minute - give yourself plenty of time to stage it properly."
- Pick the winners. "Once you've gained confidence, grow the right varieties. Ask fellow exhibitors, look at the labels at shows, and check which varieties are winning the top prizes."
- And one last thing... "When you've finished staging your exhibit, take a deep breath, step away for a few minutes, then go back and check what you've done again. Those last details can sometimes make all the difference."
Want to know more? The Horticultural Show Handbook costs £7.95 and is packed with practical tips for growers, judges, and event organisors.
Buy The Horticultural Show Handbook now