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Allotment gardens

Competition judging criteria

Individual allotment plots are judged using the following points system and guidelines. Each of the criteria are shown with the marking scheme, together with the maximum points available.

A. Cultivation and cropping

1. Types of produce (1/2 point per type): 15
2. Seasonal produce (Winter / Spring): 5
3. Soft fruit (1 point per type): 5
4. Attractive features (flowers and containers etc): 5
5. Herbs (1 point per type): 5
6. Quality of crops: 10
7. Area of cultivation:  10.

B. Husbandry

1. Compost or manure heap (quality of): 5
2. Annual weeds (free from): 10
3. Perennial weeds (free from): 10
4. Rubbish (free from): 5
5. Labels showing variety / maturity / cropping time: 5.

C. Environment

1. Paths or roads (neatly maintained): 5
2. Buildings (quality and condition): 5.

Notes on compilation of individual plot judging

Cultivation and cropping

The underlying philosophy which governs the marks 'weighting' is to encourage the plot holder to provide a source of fresh vegetables all year round, as well as fresh fruit in season and an adequate provision of preserved or frozen produce out of season. This is reflected in:

1. Only half a point is given for each type of vegetable, but a full extra point is given for each type of winter/spring (that is, November onwards) vegetable in Aii
2. Soft fruits, 1 point per type, includes rhubarb!
3. Reflects the co-operative responsibility to present a pleasant 'face' to the public as a visual amenity.
4. Herbs - drags the spud/cabbage plot holder towards 'haute cuisine'!

Husbandry

1. Compost or manure heap: Neither of these should be a nursery for growing weeds! Judging should make allowances for the various stages of the breakdown into a healthy product. Look for evidence of that on the plot itself if the container is empty!
2. Differentiation has been made between annual weeds and perennials, as annual weeds are short-term problems whereas the perennials are a nuisance (or worse) to other plot holders. This is an important differentiation! It is needed to assess whether the plot is tidy throughout the year. If couch grass, buttercups, dandelions and docks are there it is indicative of poor husbandry on a continuing basis, whereas annual weeds (which can be eradicated with a hoe) are not as serious. The two types are therefore judged separately and marked as shown. Remember - ten points means not a single weed anywhere! You should consider the effects on rare (or even common) wildlife to the extent of ignoring small patches of nettles which are used by several butterflies (Peacock, Red Admiral, Tortoiseshell and so on), and also sorrel which is host to various 'Coppers'. For example a 'hedge' (windbreak) of Michaelmas daisies gives a rich late feed of nectar which is lapped up by these butterflies before they hibernate in the greenhouses and sheds.
3. Rubbish (free from): if it is stacked tidily for future use it is not rubbish. However, if it is just lying around it is!
4. Labels showing variety: it will make the judge's life easier when assessing seasonal produce.

Environment

1. Paths and roads - neatly maintained: if it is a grass 'road' it should be kept cut and free of 'nasties' and if hardcore it should be weed-free without a neglected fringe!
2. Buildings (quality and condition) This is a teaser! Not everyone has a building so we start from the premise that buildings which are well-built and well-maintained get the same mark as a well-kept bit of plot, that is, 5 points. Less points are awarded for decrepitude! To sum up: no building = 5 points; a wreck = 0 points!

Site criteria

In addition to the allotment plot competition, allotment sites are also judged.  The following criteria are used for the allotment site judging:

Cleanliness of site

1. Free from rubbish:  20
2. Free from weeds:  15.

State of repair

1. Roadway maintenance:  10
2. Fences, walls (sound and tidy):  10
3. Buildings (sound, state, style):  15.

Notice Board

1. Up to date / letting's / contact details:  5.

Site General

1. Site Entrance:  10
2. Plots numbered:  10.

Calderdale Leisure Gardeners Association

The Calderdale Leisure Gardeners Association holds quarterly meetings at which there is a representative from the council, site secretaries from self managed sites and some plot holders from Council managed sites.

These meetings are to inform plot holders of the progress on any issues regarding allotments from a national level down to local level. They also give plot holders the opportunity to talk to other plot holders, members and officers of the council or the Leisure Gardeners Secretary on allotment issues. Meetings are held every three months and if you would like to know the date of the next meeting please contact the Allotments Officer.

• E-mail
• parks@calderdale.gov.uk
• Telephone
• 01422 28 44 28
• Fax
• 01422 28 44 31
• Address
• Safer Cleaner Greener Services
  Spring Hall Mansion
  Huddersfield Road
  Halifax HX3 0AQ.

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