Growing Vegetables For Competitions

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30365, 14 February 1964, Page 7

Growing Vegetables For Competitions

Some gardeners have been discouraged from participation in vegetable competitions at shows because they have thought their produce not big enough. But size is not always necessary. .

A knowledge of the rules is as important as the ability to grow good competition vegetables. ■

There are usually some local rules which it is necessary to know, but the basics are usually the same everywhere. A thorough acquaintance with the show organisers’ handbook will before the day of the show will avoid many disappointments. Of equal importance is to read the schedule and to adhere to what is printed there. If it says a collection of 10 vegetables it is no use putting in 12. Whenever entry in a show is contemplated, preparations must begin well in advance of the show and in the case of vegetables right from the time of sowing the seed or even before, when the ground is being prepared. Prepare The Soil

The soil should be prepared so as to have an exceptional tilth, which is particularly important with 'root crops. The addition of welldecayed organic matter and artificial fertilisers correctly balanced should be included when the soil is being worked. There are numerous methods used by experienced exhibitors to ensure or assist in the production of perfect specimens. In one method for producing prize root vegetables a crow bar is driven into the soil to a depth of two or three feet and worked around, the hole formed is filled with sifted soil and compost before the seed is sown.

Care at all times during ■the growing season is essential, such as keeping the plants moving at all times and never allowing them to receive a set-back. This includes adequate moisture, keeping the area free of weeds and applying light side dressings of fertilisers. Disease and pest control is of utmost importance, but what is more important is that a suitable chemical is used, not one that is likely to cause markings or blemishes. Application should always be made in plenty of time and if one can anticipate an attack so much the better. Kept Tied Up Tall plants must be given support and kept tied up at all times. Cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes and similar types of vegetables should be kept clear of the soil to prevent blemishes and protection should be provided against adverse weather conditions. Lifting must be done with extreme care to avoid bruising or breakage. Vegetables as lettuce should be pulled up just before being taken to the show bench. Lettuce should retain their roots so as to prevent undue loss of sap which would result in a wilted heart. . ... , Roots are best lifted by digging a trench alongside the row and gradually working the soil away until the roots are exposed. Once lifted, washing is essential, but it should be done carefully to avoid bruising. Cleaning should be done by a jet of water not by scraping or scrubbing, and afterwards the vegetable should be rinsed in clean water and then allowed to dry naturally, out of the sun. Retaining Bloom It is imperative to retain the natural bloom on vegetables at all times. Careful handling is all that is neces-

sary with some vegetables, but there are' some aids such as rolling beans in a damp towel or wrapping roots in tissue paper. Presentation is of utmost importance for when all other things are equal, it is those vegetables that are best presented which are likely to receive the prize. Important factors to consider when making the selection are: size, uniformity, condition and colour; where called for, sufficient of a kind to make up a collection or dish. Condition implies such things as blemishes, coarseness, general appeal in such things as cleanliness, tenderness and freshness. Size is not in itself a prizewinning criteria. It is more important that your vegetables are of an even size. It is very difficult to be able to produce giant specimens that are succulent and not coarse. (It may be that there will be classes where size is asked for in which case the judges will probably not be. looking for quality.) It is wrong to think veegtables not outstanding in size, are unsuitable for showing. Sufficient Numbers It is important that you grow sufficient numbers of a specified vegetable so as to be able to have enough when making a choice. Points awarded for vegetables in mixed collections are governed by the difficulty of production. Amongst the highest scoring subjects are, asparagus, celery, onions and peas, while the easier ones to produce, such as beetroot, endive and radish carry correspondingly lower points. The scale was drawn up by the Royal Horticultural Society and is the basis upon which most judges work. Perusal of this list of points that are allotted to respective vegetables will determine your selection for entry in the collection section.

The object should be to grow those vegetables carrying the highest points that you know or feel you are most capable of doing.