PILNING AND SEVERN BEACH BEST ALLOTMENTS COMPETITION:

Annually, the Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council provides awards for the best allotments in both Pilning and Severn Beach. Judging of the allotments performed by the Pilning Flower Show Committee, shall be carried out periodically through the year, with an overall winner for each announced and presented at the Pilning Flower Show. An allotment may win best allotment for three consecutive years, but must then drop out of the competition for one year. The criteria for judging is provided below.

Competition Judging Criteria

1) Plot Cleanliness (Max 30 points)

A) Absence of Weeds & Litter (15 points)

The Plot should be substantially weed free, with no perennial weeds. There should be no piles of weeds or other vegetation lying around. Canes and other planting aids should be stored tidily and not left lying around.

B) Plot and Paths well maintained (15 points)

C) The cultivated area should show signs of being regularly, hoed, etc. and grass paths should be cut and edged.

2) Fertility (Max 30 points)

Health & Vigour

A) All Plants should be vigorous, sturdy and free from obvious signs of excess damage by pests, disease or weather. Marks will be given for the use of organic methods of pest control such as

a) Steps taken to minimise effects of blight by either organic spray and/or cutting down haulms

b) Pinching out tops of broad beans to inhibit black fly

c) Use of collar or insect mesh to protect against cabbage root fly

d) Barriers against carrot root fly

B) Plants should not be showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Marks will be lost for crops left to go past their prime (unless it is made clear that they are being left for seed production

3) Cropping Practices (max 20 points)

A) Crop protection 5

a) This will include netting, fleece, enviromesh & deterrent/sacrificial planting. Supports for plants that require them should be properly positioned and sturdy enough to support the crop. Any bird netting etc. should be undamaged and properly positioned to afford protection to the crops over which they have been placed.

b) Maximising use of space (5)

There should no large vacant areas, nor excessive spacing between rows of crops. Where beds are used, planting distances will be expected to be smaller.

B) Range of Crops (10)

Need to seed a good variety of crops and evidence of crop rotation i.e. Crops should be arranged so that crops in each family are planted together. There should also be signs that the plot continues to be used in the winter (e.g. crops such as swede leeks, sprouts)

4) Environmental Aspects (Max 20 points)

A) Composting (10)

Need to see well maintained compost bin(s) heap, recycling green waste from the plot

B) Water Conservation (10)

This will include mulching and water butts. The Mulching may be plastic, weed control fabric, bark, straw etc. If there is a shed there should be a gutter & down pipe into a water butt. It will also include signs of spot watering such as pots, etc. sunk into the ground alongside extra thirsty plants such as cucumbers and tomatoes.