Ready, set, grow!
Gentoo’s annual gardening competition is back and open for applications.
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.
You don’t need a big garden or lots of money. You just need to give it a go.
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 is important
• Keep doors, escape routes and shared areas clear
• Don’t adapt balconies or add screens or fixtures
• Follow your tenancy agreement and tenant handbook
Entries that don’t meet fire safety rules can’t be judged.
Best school garden, 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.
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.