[Marshall]

Hi,
I am going to "exhibit" in a local show in a fortnight and wondered if there was a site some where that illustrates how my veg should be presented?

The section I am thinkg of entering are;-

6 runner beans, Three Parsnips, Three Onion "dressed", 8 cheery tomatoes with calyces(Is that the green bit?) Three leeks foliage trimmed (How?) Courgetts two.

Any tips, illustrations?

Thanks

[Elcie]

I don't know about this sorry.  But I do know that in the gardening magazines there are often articles about this.  I buy Kitchen Gardener and Grow Your Own.  If you could get hold of any back copies of these that would be a start.

And welcome to the site too!  You will get lots of friendly advice on here.

[Salmo]

If there is a local another local show near you this next weekend go and have a look what others do. Read your show schedule carefully so that at least you send the right number for the class.

Find out if your show uses RHS or National Veg Association rules. Size restrictions are slightly different. Each publish guidelines for judges. Your show secretary may have one that you can look at or you can buy one.

Big ones often do not win. More important is to select perfect examples without blemishes and which match each other perfectly.

Dressed onions have the tops cut at about 3 inches which are bent over and bound neatly, traditionally with raffia.

Courgettes must be between 100mm and 150 mm long and still have the flower attached. A matching set is paramount.

Runner beans should be straight and be cut with some stem. The judges will usually snap one to see if it is stringy. A matching set with smooth skins will win.

No idea how leeks are dressed. Good luck. Let us see some pictures.

[mikem]

Have a look at this website:-

http://www.nvsuk.org.uk/growing_show_vegetables.php

[janette]

Besst of luck with your show exhibits . Seems you have some good advice, the only thing I can say is to make sure everything is as fresh as possible and laid out as attractivly as you can. I help with our local show and the best way to learn is offering to be a judges steward .