Showing Tips

The show is for fun, but it will still be judged according to RHS rules.   Entries not according to the schedule will not be judged - this applies to all classes.  The most important thing is to read the Show Schedule very carefully for the description of the classes you are entering.  If it says “5 tomatoes on a plate” then there needs to be 5, but they also have to be on a plate.  Speaking from personal experience, a tin foil square is not sufficient!!  It may sound pedantic, but it ensures that everyone is judged fairly.

The judge will be looking for vegetables, fruit, flowers, etc. in excellent condition, that are the most uniform in size, shape and colour.  Uniformity in size is more important than impressive size unless the class calls for ‘largest’, ‘heaviest’, etc.  Large specimens of good quality and uniformity require more skill than the production of smaller specimens and will be rewarded accordingly, but it is quality not size that matters!  Pick the best of your produce, even if it’s not the largest.

• Dahlias - Blooms should be fresh, clean, firm and not marked

• Fuchsias - Flowers should be fresh and not dropping pollen

• Flower arrangements must not exceed size stated on schedule

• Beans and peas should have a short length of stalk still attached

• Runner beans- pick the day before and straighten against a rolling pin wrapped in damp kitchen paper or a tea towel and kept in the fridge overnight

• Wash potatoes and root vegetables gently so you don’t damage the skin

• Courgettes - fresh and about 5-6 inches long, with or without flower, but as straight and even as possible

• Herbs must not be in flower.  You are not limited to just one stem of each variety, so make a nice display

• Tomatoes - free of any blemish and with even size and colour. Do not remove the green calyx or stalk from the top

• A sprinkling of sand or rice on the plate can help keep tomatoes from toppling over

• If something looks a complete mess, consider entering it for the 'Hiccup' class!