The Association of Liverpool Allotments (ALA) are running their annual competition to find the best plot in Liverpool
The judging criteria is as follows:
5 points are awarded for each item giving a maximum total of 100 points
Crops/Plants
1. Have a variety of crops/plants both flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruit trees or bushes
2. Should be weed free
3. Plants should be healthy, sturdy and free from damage and clearly labelled.
4. Evidence of successional planting
5. Examples of companion planting, use of marigolds, calendula and herbs
Condition of Plot
1. The soil should be well cultivated and mulched where applicable
2. There should be evidence of crop rotation
3. Hedges or fencing should be well maintained
4. Unplanted areas should be weed free
5. At least 75% of the plot should be under cultivation
Environmental Care
1. Evidence of conservation of water and water catchment
2. Active composting systems on the plot
3. Evidence of bug houses, beehives for insects
4. Evidence for use of organic fertilisers e.g. fish blood and bone, comfrey liquid.
5. Evidence of use of biological pest control
Safety and Layout
1. Paved areas should be clean and tidy. Structures should be stable
2. Paths should be level and safe.
3. The plot must have a pleasing visual effect and be well designed
4. Safe use of canes and netting
5. Intelligent management of difficult conditions
Each allotment member of the ALA can enter up to five plots. If more than five people are interesting in entering, the committee will carrying out a pre-judging and the five highest scoring plots will be entered.
ALA judging will take place week commencing 7th July 2025
If you would like to enter, please email contact@listerdriveallotments.com by Saturday 27th June 2025.