I didn’t quite understand the judging at the Wivenhoe Allotment and Garden Association annual show. Yeah sure, veg is veg, right? Some looked a little fresher than others, but ultimately veg for me is all about necking it and getting energy.
The judges thought a little differently. There was no evidence of the fruit or veg - or even cake - actually being tasted. In fact some of the produce awarded a first in show looked a bit mangy when compared to other entrants.
I would never suggest that there is something slightly slippery taking place with the WAGA judging. Nope.
It was a decent enough show for 2026. A few panic emails had gone out and then run up to it, worrying that not enough allotment holders had entered any of their goods. Guilty as charged.
But wait, what this?
We did get an email stressing the importance of us attending the close of the event as there was possibly a chance our allotment may pick up a prize in the overall category.
Football watching duties kept us away, natch.
There was plenty of tomatoes on show as we made our way up and down the various trestle tables early afternoon. Tomato, tomatoe, etc. I’ve never seen so many varieties.
Cabbages meanwhile, remain the ugly sisters of the allotment world.
Some of the blackberries looked incredibly tempting. They were rather lush and certainly plump. I confess to having a quick shifty to my left and right to see if I could snaffle one.
Spoiler: I’m too much of a good honest citizen for that type of behaviour.
