Events

The Totally Tomato Show at West Dean Gardens on 4–5 September 2010, is a real treat for the taste buds and guarantees handy hints and top growing tips for professional and amateur gardeners alike.

More than 150 varieties of tomatoes will be on show along with cookery demos, tastings, tomato-related produce for sale and not forgetting the tomato growing competitions.

Tomato competitions

Set in the stunning grounds of West Dean Gardens, the Totally Tomato Show offers a great day out for all tomato-lovers.

Tomato growers will have the chance to enter their produce in the Tastiest Tomato Competition and, new for this year, the Heaviest Tomato Competition (run in conjunction with the British Tomato Growers’ Association).

The competitions are open to anyone – can the amateur gardeners beat the professionals at their own game?

For the 2010 competition there will be three categories for different sizes of fruit, with the winner of each category receiving an engraved plaque together with an entry voucher to West Dean Gardens.

The winners will then be judged against each other to decide on the overall champion and recipient of the Len Summerton Cup.

Which? Gardening

From the eclectic mix of stall holders at this year’s show, Which? Gardening is a must for those in search of a taste sensation.

Richard Gianfrancesco from Which? Gardening, brings several varieties of tomatoes to the show each year to conduct tests and trials.

“The tomatoes are rated on yield and quality,” says Richard. “The show is full of real enthusiasts who are keen to taste our wares so it’s the perfect opportunity for us to get valuable feedback.”

This year Richard will be taking 18 varieties of cherry plum tomatoes to the show.

Organic gardening

For those of you in search of organic growing tips and produce, then head for the Chichester Organic Gardening Society stall.

Committee Member, Gina Carrington, says, “The show always has a great atmosphere and it’s a fantastic opportunity to give the public a chance to sample organic produce and learn how to grow organically.” Gina and other members will be running regular tasting sessions and will be on hand for any advice or tomato growing queries.

West Dean’s Totally Tomato Show is an unusual and fun day out with lots of food to taste and products to buy, growing advice and complimentary access to West Dean Gardens, Arboretum and Park and if you think you’ve got the tastiest and/or heaviest tomato then fill in an entry form and come on down!

Event details

Please note, only assistance dogs are allowed into events.

West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and six miles south of Midhurst.

Admission to the Totally Tomato Show is £7.50 for adults plus concessions. Fast-track tickets are available to purchase in advance at www.westdean.org.uk. The event is open between 10.30am and 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).

Competition entry forms

For more information please phone 01243 818210 or visit www.westdean.org.uk/gardens to download an entry form.  Forms are also available on the British Tomato Growers’ Association website.