GARDENA’S ‘TOP OF THE PLOTS’ COMPETITION RETURNS FOR 2026

On 7 May 2026, the competition will once again invite gardeners, allotment holders and community growers from across the country to showcase their plots - from productive allotments and thriving garden beds to school and community growing spaces. 

Following a successful first year with hundreds of entrants, the initiative aims to celebrate the creativity, resilience and dedication of Britain’s plot-proud growers, while encouraging more people to get involved in growing their own food. 

GARDENA ambassador and head judge, Huw Richards, will be judging the entrants who will be competing for £1,000 worth of GARDENA products and gardening vouchers, and category winners will receive a commemorative plaque. What’s more, 50 entrants will receive exclusive Top of the Plots merchandise.  

The competition is open to gardeners of all experience levels, and will feature seven categories: Best Allotment, Best Garden Plot, Best New Plot, Kids on the Plot, Best Small Plot, Huw’s Pick of the Plots and Best Community Plot. National Allotment Society will be supporting the competition again and awarding the Best Allotment award. 

Entries will be judged on factors including plant variety, resilience, biodiversity and maintenance and from the seven categories, one overall winner will be crowned Plot of the Year. 

GARDENA ambassador and head judge, Huw Richards, said: “We’re so excited to bring this competition back for year two. It’s not just about finding the best plots - it’s about inspiring more people to start growing, whether that’s on an allotment, in a garden, or even on a windowsill. Everyone’s garden is different, everyone’s garden can shine through, and everyone can be a grower. 

“I’m still blown away by the Plot of the Year 2025 winner, Steve Mills, not to mention every other winner and entrant. Based on what happened with our first year, I can’t wait to see what else is out there. 

“What we’re really looking for is people’s personalities shining through their gardens, so enter Top of the Plots because you never know what might happen!” 

Top of the Plots 2025 winner, Steve Mills, said: “I have a passion for plants, and having my own allotment gives me the opportunity to do what I want to do. I knew it was unique and different, so I thought, how do I share it with other people? 

“So, I entered it into the Top of the Plots competition in the hope that other people would see it, get inspired by what I’ve done and take some of those ideas to use for their own garden spaces. Receiving the winning award took my breath away!” 

Entries for the 2026 competition will open on 7 May 2026, with growers able to submit photos and descriptions of their plots via the GARDENA website. The competition will close to entries on 17 August 2026, with winners announced in early October. 

For more information and to enter from May 7, visit: https://www.gardena.com/uk