Wholesome Harvest Challenge
Voting is now closed
All entries have been received for this year’s Ready Steady Grow competition, and now it’s time to make your mark on the awards by voting for your favourite garden or outdoor space and deciding the most worthy winner.
The primary factor in judging will be the quality of your fruit and vegetables. We’ll consider all factors that influence quality including maturity, freshness, as well as being free from disease, insect damage, and blemishes. Remember, it’s not about the size of your space.
Your Entries!
1. Arnhem Road
At Arnhem Road, residents and staff worked hard to clear an overgrown garden and plant vegetables from seed. A new herb area has been created for use in cooking, and clients have enjoyed spending time outdoors. The garden is now a source of pride, and everyone is looking forward to using the fresh produce in their cooking.
2. Bransby Court
Following last year’s success, Bransby Court residents and staff expanded their communal garden with herbs, vegetables, and colourful flowers. Creative touches included decorated plant pots, sun-catchers made from old CDs, and insect hotels crafted from tin cans. The result is a vibrant space full of life and colour, perfect for enjoying sunny days. Ideas are already blooming for next year’s entry.
3. Brighton and Hove Foyer
The Brighton and Hove Foyer turned a neglected garden into a sustainable vegetable space through teamwork, creativity, and resourcefulness. Residents and staff sourced recycled materials and donated plants to build a garden that supports cooking and learning. Several resident groups are now involved, including the Art Group painting planters and the Cooking Group using the harvest. Despite a few setbacks, like the sunflowers not growing, the project has laid strong roots for next year.
4. Dashwood House
At Dashwood House, residents built raised beds and grew their own vegetables, many for the first time. The project encouraged teamwork, healthy living, and daily outdoor activity. Watching their crops grow and harvesting them brought a strong sense of pride and achievement. It also strengthened bonds across the community, making the experience both rewarding and unifying.
5. Eastgate
Residents at Eastgate have creatively repurposed a disused wheelbarrow to grow strawberries, which they’ve enjoyed fresh and in home-baked treats. An old vegetable plot has been revived, now flourishing with herbs and vegetables used in daily meals. One resident has brightened up the garden shed with a splash of colour, adding charm to the space. The whole garden has been tidied, creating a welcoming area to relax outdoors.
6. John Baker House
At John Baker House, a few residents came together to green up the backyard of their 18-bed supported living home. Using found supplies, they’ve planted fruits, vegetables, and other plants, bringing life and colour to the space. It’s a small but meaningful transformation that reflects teamwork and care.
8. Oleander House
The Oleander gardening team planned a garden focused on growing ingredients for soups and smoothies, with raspberries and strawberries as their speciality. Despite challenges from mischievous squirrels digging up seeds and spreading the soil everywhere, the team persevered with “Mission Protect Our Plants.” Some produce was salvaged, though the raspberries were enjoyed before photos could be taken. The project brought plenty of fun and teamwork to the garden.
9. Orchard House
Orchard House residents have grown a wholesome harvest of vegetables and fruits this year. Pumpkins, basil, strawberries, green beans, tomatoes, and cucumbers have all flourished. Watching them grow and enjoying the fresh produce has been a highlight for everyone involved.
10. Park Road
The garden at Park Road has been transformed for the wholesome harvest category, with a wide range of edible plants now thriving. Residents have grown salads, beans, sweetcorn, courgettes, pumpkins, potatoes, and more, alongside flowers like marigolds and a sunflower. The garden is a true team effort, led by resident gardeners Neil, Jonny Lee, Mark, Simon and Vera. The before and after photos show a remarkable transformation.
11. Poplar House
Despite limited space due to some awaited renovations, Poplar House residents made the most of what they had. They grew delicious vegetables and salads with great success, although the sunflowers didn’t thrive. The experience was a valuable learning journey for everyone involved.
12. Rose Manor
Rose Manor’s wholesome harvest includes homegrown herbs and vegetables enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Upcycled furniture and wheelchair-accessible flower beds have been beautifully restored and maintained by residents and colleagues. Weekly gardening club sessions have brought everyone together, encouraging activity and boosting wildlife. And of course, the garden wouldn’t be complete without their signature roses!
13. Tillmore Gardens
Tilmore Gardens has been transformed into a peaceful and productive space, with residents planting tomatoes, strawberries, courgettes, and a wide variety of flowers. The strawberries have already been used to make sweet treats, and the tomatoes are nearly ready. Staff supported residents throughout the project, and the sunflowers have flourished too. The before and after photos show just how far the garden has come.