Reaseheath College horticultural students were feeling chipper after taking part in a First Early Potato Show, held at the Nantwich college on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Thirty Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 \u00a0certificate students demonstrated their skills at growing the world\u2019s favourite root vegetable \u2013 and were rewarded with praise from one of the county\u2019s top vegetable judges.<\/p>\n
The students, who attend college one day a week, have been learning horticultural techniques such as how to successfully sow and plant vegetables and how to prepare them for exhibition.\u00a0 Reaseheath\u2019s Master of Horticulture Harry Delaney, who lectures the groups, hopes that their new knowledge will encourage the students to support the fruit and vegetable shows run within their local communities.<\/p>\n
Over 20 varieties of first early potatoes, grown on plots at the college, were on show. \u00a0Local allotment holders and gardeners were invited to attend, along with families and fellow students.<\/p>\n
Best in Show went to Mary Johnson from Knutsford , who also won the Monday group section with her \u2019Red Duke of York\u2019 potatoes. Winner of the Friday group section was Mark Bayes of Hazel Grove, Stockport, who exhibited the \u2018Swift\u2019 variety.<\/p>\n
Second and third places in the Monday group went to Janine \u00a0Shaw and Penny Harrison while Niamh Poole\u00a0 and Richard Hudson-Davies were runners up in the Friday group.<\/p>\n
The competition was judged by Derek Jones of Malpas, a well known vegetable exhibitor, judge, horticulturist and historian. He explained: \u201cI was looking for four potatoes which were equally matched in shape, size and colour. They had to be of good quality, of uniform shape, well prepared and typical of the variety.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe entries showed a great deal of care and attention to detail. \u00a0I must congratulate Harry for the innovative way he has encouraged students to improve their gardening skills. Hopefully their enthusiasm and knowledge will help to sustain village shows in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reaseheath\u2019s First Early Potato Show was held for the first time last year and was so successful that it is likely to be an annual event.<\/p>\n
Said Harry: \u201cThis is a fantastic way for our students to translate scientific principles into practical skills into practical skills. I also wanted to take away the mystique surrounding horticultural shows by giving them some show experience at college. The students produced superb displays and gained a lot of satisfaction and personal achievement from their efforts.\u201d \u2018\u2019 They certainly experienced the agony and the ecstasy of show exhibiting! \u2018\u2019<\/p>\n
Around 100 part-time students gain RHS qualifications at Reaseheath each year.\u00a0 The students include professional horticulturists, career changers and leisure gardeners. Reaseheath is an RHS training and examination centre and offers theory and practical qualifications at Levels 2 and 3.<\/p>\n