Ready, set, grow!

Our annual gardening competition is back, and we are welcoming applications from green-fingered customers, schools and community groups.

Got a garden, a few pots, a school patch or a shared growing space? Then Ready, Set, Grow is for you!

To celebrate 25 years of Gentoo, we’re looking for gardens and growing spaces that show care, effort and pride and ideas that will last into the future.

Who can enter? 

You can enter if you are:

•    A Gentoo customer
•    A school or education setting
•    A community or voluntary group

You can enter one category, just choose the one that fits your space best.

Choose your category 

Best customer garden

For customers who take pride in their garden, whatever the size. Judges will look at care, enjoyment and the positive difference it makes.

Best small space/ planters/ pots 

Perfect for growing in:

•    Pots and containers
•    Doorsteps, patios or courtyards
•    Other small spaces

Creativity in small spaces really counts!

Fire safety matters

To keep everyone safe, entries must follow fire safety rules. This means:

• Doors, escape routes and shared areas must be kept clear at all times
• Balconies must not be adapted and no screens or fixed structures should be added
• Your planting must comply with your tenancy agreement and tenant handbook

Unfortunately, entries that do not meet fire safety requirements cannot be judged.

Community Bloom Award 

For shared growing spaces that: 

•    Brings people together
•    Improves neighbourhoods
•    Builds pride in place

Big or small, community impact matters. 

Best school garden or outdoor learning space 

For schools using gardening to support:

•    Learning and wellbeing
•    Confidence, teamwork and life skills

Eco clubs, food growing and wildlife spaces are all welcome.

25 Years Forward: Future grow award 

A special award celebrating Gentoo at 25 and looking ahead.

For projects focused on:

•    Growing food
•    Supporting wildlife and biodiversity
•    Sustainable growing
•    Creating something that will last for future generations

How judging works 

•    Entries must include photos and a short story
•    Entries are shortlisted based on the photos provided
•    Judges will visit shortlisted entries in July
•    We focus on effort, involvement and impact not size or spend

Phone photos are absolutely fine – don’t forget to include them!

Prizes

Each category winner will receive:
•    A certificate and trophy
•    A practical gardening prize, such as: 
    - Garden centre vouchers
    - Raised beds or planters
    - Gardening equipment or growing kits

Some schools and community groups may also be offered Gentoo volunteer support.

Important dates and information 

Submit your application form by Tuesday 30 June. 

Judging will take place late July, with winners being announced shortly after.

All entries are subject to the correct permissions for any work carried out to Gentoo gardens. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, or if you need advice before entering, please contact your Neighbourhood Coordinator.

Fire safety is very important. Doors, escape routes and shared areas must be kept clear at all times. Balconies must not be adapted and screens or fixed items must not be added.

All entries must follow your tenancy agreement and tenant handbook. Entries that do not meet fire safety requirements cannot be judged. Please read permissions and important information before entering.

How to enter 

You can enter in whichever way is easiest for you. You can enter online by filling in the below application form. 

If you prefer to enter in person, you can print off an application form and hand it in at any local Gentoo office or give it to your Neighbourhood Coordinator. 

Or by post to: 

Communications Team
Gentoo Group, Emperor House
2 Emperor Way
Doxford International Business Park
Sunderland, Tyne & Wear
SR3 3XR

Or by email to: 

communications@gentoogroup.com

Don't forget to include photos! If you can’t take photos yourself, speak to your Neighbourhood Coordinator or email us and we’ll help.

You can use our digital form below, or print or email this form: Application form 

Enter competition

Name

Address including postcode

Telephone number

Email address

School or community group's name

Which category are you entering?

Upload photos of your garden

What would you like to tell us about your garden?

Declaration

By entering the competition, you confirm that you have read and understood the judging criteria and that the judges' decisions are final.

Permissions and important information

All entries are subject to the correct permissions for any work carried out to Gentoo gardens. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, or if you need advice before entering, please contact your Neighbourhood Coordinator.

Fire safety is very important. Doors, escape routes and shared areas must be kept clear at all times. Balconies must not be adapted, and screens or fixed items must not be added. All entries must follow your tenancy agreement and tenant handbook. Entries that do not meet fire safety requirements cannot be judged.

When gardening, please use equipment safely. Electrical items such as grow lamps or heaters must be in good repair, with extra care taken when watering nearby. Children should be supervised at all times. Compost, fertilisers, outdoor lighting and candles should be stored and used correctly and with caution.

Entries that do not meet fire safety or tenancy requirements cannot be judged.

Fire safety matters

To keep everyone safe, entries must follow fire safety rules. This means:

• Doors, escape routes and shared areas must be kept clear at all times
• Balconies must not be adapted and no screens or fixed structures should be added
• Your planting must comply with your tenancy agreement and tenant handbook

Unfortunately, entries that do not meet fire safety requirements cannot be judged.

Using equipment and materials safely

When gardening in small spaces, please also keep the following safety points in mind:

• Any electrical items, such as grow lamps or plant incubator heaters, must be in good working order. Take extra care when watering plants near electrical equipment.
• Children should always be accompanied and closely supervised while gardening.
• Compost and some fertilisers can pose a fire risk in certain conditions. For example, compost can overheat if it becomes too dry or tightly packed, and some fertilisers can accelerate fires. These risks can be reduced by using products correctly, keeping compost moist, and turning it regularly if stored.
• Outdoor lighting and candles should be used correctly and with caution at all times.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help ensure your entry is not only creative and attractive, but also safe for you and your neighbours.