Category: awards

Each year, we award a prize to the best new plotholder across all of the allotment sites Glasgow. If you’ve taken on your plot since January 2019 (yes, the start of last year), you’re eligible to apply before the deadline of July 2020.

We wanted to let you know now so that you can a) get planning, and b) take a photo of your plot before you get started (see the judging criteria, below)!

The aim of the awards

To recognise the work of new plot-holders and to encourage a good standard of cultivation in its widest sense.

Who can enter?

Any plot-holder who is an Allotment Association member of a Council or privately owned site – within the Glasgow City area. The plot-holder can have taken on their new plot at any time after January 1st of the year preceding entry, thus giving an opportunity to apply over 2 growing seasons. (i.e. January 1st 2019 for entry by July 2020).

How do you enter?

By application form:

Judging will take place within July and will be confirmed later.

Applicants and site secretaries will be sent a receipt of acknowledgment of the application form. Please contact us directly if you do not receive this confirmation.

Plotholders should ensure that someone is able to open the site and show the plot to be judged on the day. Plotholders will be emailed the preceding evening to advise whether the visit will be in the morning or the afternoon and will be messaged by text approximately 45 minutes before the judge expects to arrive at their site.

Presentation of prizes will be at the GAF Celebration of Allotments Event on October 3rd 2020.

What are the prizes?

• 1st Prize: £50 gardening vouchers & 1st Prize certificate designed by the Incorporation of Gardeners.
• 2nd Prize: £40 gardening vouchers & 2nd Prize certificate designed by the Incorporation of Gardeners.

• There are up to 3 Highly Commended prizes of £20 each, at the judge’s discretion.
• 2 Commendation prizes of £20 are awarded for the most significant progress in overcoming adversity in particularly challenging conditions.

What are the judging criteria?

A short description of the state of the plot when it was assigned must be included with the entry form, along with photographs of the state of the plot at assignment.

Areas of judging & awarding of points:

1. Overall Growing Plan – including attention to sustainability and biodiversity in both the process and your desired outcomes in matters like rainwater harvesting, mulching, soil care, understanding of crop rotation etc. (maximum 20 points)
   
2. Overall appearance – general tidiness, evidence of planning &
   organisation. Appropriate proportion of the plot as growing space. Structures such as sheds and greenhouses, if present, should be in a serviceable state of repair. (maximum 20 points)
   
3. Cultivation should be generally weed-free with evidence of on-going cultivation. A variety of healthy plants – vegetables, fruit and flowers – should be growing. Appropriate weed-control strategies are acceptable for areas not yet cultivated. (maximum 20 points)
   
4. Paths, hedges and boundaries including frontage should be tidy and clear of pernicious weeds. (maximum 10 points)
   
5. Systems and methods of composting, rainwater harvesting, and water conservation should be evident. Evidence of an understanding of biodiversity and soil care and nurture. (maximum 20 points)
   
6. Evidence of your contribution to the wider allotment community including supporting other new allotmenteers, contributing to the care of communal areas, contributing to committee, contributing to open days etc. (maximum 10 points)
   

• Good luck, and happy planning!