Manchester Drive Allotment Society

What makes a winning allotment?  That’s a question which some of us would like to know before the judges come along for next week’s Southend-on-Sea Allotments Competition.  Friday the 13th is judgement day;  maybe it will be lucky for us this time.

It’s too late to moan about the weather…the dreary early summer and other factors which are beyond our control.  Now is the moment of truth.

In the past we have done well and last year’s third place was achieved against some very stiff competition.  The judges praised the way the site had improved and they should be impressed by the progress that has been made in the past 12 months.

Our main rivals last year were Southend East Allotment and Garden Society and Westcliff Land Cultivation Society.  These Societies took the top two places in the 10 road and 5 rod sections but we came close in both categories.  The points total was Southend  (832 pts),  Westcliff (830 pts) and Manchester Drive (794 pts).

On a personal note, Mr. B. .Burgess came third in the individual 10 rod competition.   There must be well over 1,000 plots around the Borough so finishing in third place is a terrific achievement.

Success like that is not just a reward for hard work and hours spent digging, planting, trimming, weeding and all the other factors which are part of the allotment scene.  High marks are awarded for having a weed free, well managed plot with soil of a good tilth.  The judges, who have years of experience, pay a lot of attention to the variety of crops that are grown and that footpaths are neat, closely cut and straight.

There’s even a bonus for having a well-used compost bin – and not just a pile of well-matured manure tucked away on the corner of your site.  So if you want to know what makes a winning plot just make sure that everything has its place and there’s no hint of untidiness!

The judges – three of them – spend nearly three hours wandering round the site and going into all aspects of what makes a good allotment.  They are horticultural experts who have spent many years doing the job – and know what to look for.

This year’s competition will include an award for newcomers – those who have taken on 5 and 10 rod plots in the last 18 months.     And in late July, Council Officers will come round and take an overall look at the site – for neatness, cultivation, maintenance of facilities – and award marks for “The Community Site Cup”

Later this week, the final selection of MDAS plots will be made.  Our top 20 sites (10 rods and 5 rods) will be entered and will be marked with coloured pegs to make them easily identifiable for the judges.     So will Friday the 13th be a lucky day for MDAS?  Here’s hoping we can go at least one better this year!