Britain’s green-fingered growers, this is your moment - entries are now open for GARDENA Top of the Plots 2026, a nationwide gardening competition celebrating the very best of Britain’s thriving grow-your-own community. 

Back for a second year following a successful debut that attracted hundreds of entrants, the initiative shines a spotlight on the creativity, resilience and dedication of the UK’s plot-proud growers while inspiring more people to grow their own food. 

The competition invites gardeners of all abilities - from seasoned allotment holders to first-time growers, schools and community groups - to showcase their plots, whether that’s a productive allotment, a flourishing garden bed or a shared growing space. 

The competition was kicked off by head judge and grow-your-own expert Huw Richards, in partnership with leading watering and tools brand GARDENA, at Shoreditch Treehouse in London. The event brought together last year’s winners, gardening enthusiasts, influencers and media to launch this year’s search. 

With the price of fresh produce continuing to rise, initiatives like Top of the Plots are encouraging Brits to take food growing into their own hands - offering not just cost savings, but powerful benefits for wellbeing, time outdoors and connection to nature. 

Huw Richards, head judge and GARDENA ambassador, said: “Growing your own food has never been more important - or more rewarding. Whether it’s saving money, improving your wellbeing, or simply enjoying time outdoors, anyone can get started. “Top of the Plots is all about celebrating that journey, no matter how big or small your space.” 

The competition is open to gardeners of all experience levels, and features 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.  From these, one standout grower will be crowned Plot of the Year, winning £1,000 worth of GARDENA products, gardening vouchers and a champion’s plaque. The first 100 entrants will also receive exclusive Top of the Plots merchandise. 

Supported by the National Allotment Society, which will crown the Best Allotment, the campaign celebrates the passion and ingenuity of growers across the country.

Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society, added: “We’re proud to support Top of the Plots once again. Allotments and community growing spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting sustainable living and improving health and wellbeing across the UK. This competition is a brilliant way to recognise the incredible work happening nationwide.”

For entrants, it’s more than a chance for recognition - it’s an invitation into a thriving gardening community.

Huw’s Pick of the Plots winner, Richard Bowman, has revealed he has since created his own arch after seeing Steve Mills' mesmerising fruit and flower tunnel, which was awarded Plot of the Year. 

Richard, who transformed a field of weeds into a unique allotment, said: “I was inspired by other growers - especially Steve’s fruit tree displays - which pushed me to get even more creative and build my own arch. It’s amazing how much you can achieve with a bit of inspiration, and I’d encourage anyone to pick up the trowel and enter this year.” 

Meanwhile, Victoria Holden won Best Community Plot on behalf of Northern Lily’s Community Orchard & Garden, which turned derelict land into a ‘hidden gem’ for more than 4,000 people and grew over a tonne of food for 12,750 meals in Failsworth, Greater Manchester. Donna Harris, of Leicestershire, used to think vegetables were “boring” but has found a new love for homegrown food, as she won Best New Plot for her “life-changing” garden, which became her sanctuary. 

To find out more information and submit your entry visit GARDENA’s Top of the Plots website.