Summer Competition 2026
Our next Summer Competition will launch in January 2026.
Schools on our mailing list will automatically receive an entry form by email. If your school is 
not yet registered, you can still take part by applying online or downloading an application form to submit by email or post.
How to Enter
- Apply online via the Summer Competition Online Application form
- Or download the Summer Competition Application Form and return it by email or post
About the Competition
Our Summer Gardening Competition gives children the opportunity to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables from seed, helping them experience the full journey of plant life, from germination through to harvest.
Children can grow plants:
- Individually in pots
- As a group in a school garden or playground
- In containers such as tubs, pots, or window boxes
School gardens can also be judged separately, just indicate this on your application form.
Supporting Pollinators 🐝🦋
We’ve updated our flower collection to include bee- and butterfly-friendly varieties, helping schools support vital pollinators. We also continue to offer a wide range of vegetable and herb seeds.
Key Dates
- January – Competition opens and invitations sent to schools
- Late June – Early July – Judging visits by our volunteers
- Early September – Overall school awards announced
- November – Selected schools invited to our awards ceremony
During judging visits, children will receive certificates and stickers to celebrate their efforts.
Judging Criteria
For full details on how entries are assessed, please refer to the competition schedules:
Seed Information
All seeds are supplied by Mr Fothergill’s and come in standard retail-sized packets, the same as those available in garden centres across the UK.
