Horticulture Competitions at the South of England Show
Garden Design Competition
This year’s theme: ‘Contrast’
The Garden Design Competition is open to anyone of any age. Entries can be from individuals, groups, classes, schools and after-school clubs and are for a 5 x 5m area of grassland.
Please email your application form to horticulture’seas.org.uk by 22nd May 2026
Childrens' Competition
This competition is open to children aged 2-14 years old. Entries can be a team/class or individual effort.Â
Entries must be received by 15th May 2026
Please email your application form to education@seas.org.uk
Hanging Basket Competition
This year’s theme: ‘Contrast’
This competition is open for all ages. Please apply to the correct category according to your age.
Entries must be received by 25th May 2026
Kindly sponsored by Tates of Sussex Garden Centres and Woolshred
Please email your application form to horticulture@seas.org.uk.
Bug Hotel Competition
We want young gardeners and bug enthusiasts to create a bugs dream habitat using any items that can be saved from going in the bin such as old plastic tubs, old drinks bottles or a container up to 25l.
Open to children aged 2-16 years old.
Please email entries to horticulture@seas.org.uk Deadline for entries is 25th May 2026
Entries must be delivered to the Horticultural marquee by 6pm on Thursday 4th June.
Want to know more?
Find out more about our organisation and how you could become part of it.
Membership
If you enjoy attending our shows, find out more about Membership. You can attend each day of our four seasonal shows, access Members’ areas including parking, and you will be helping us to continue our work to fund and support agricultural education and countryside learning.
Read our reviews
Here are some of the things people are saying about us.
Good to see the south of England Show back. A great day out, shows, animals, and plenty of stalls.
Dog friendly & some tasty snack / food to be had. Terrific venue.
Peter Langbridge
Just been to the South of England show. Had an amazing time in the sunshine. Lots to see and do and something for everyone. My son thought the stunt bikes where awesome!!!
Mark Leppard
A great family day out, lots to see (farm animals, horses and dogs) and buy (plants, clothing and a huge variety of produce).
Carolyn Waters
Easy parking which was free. Entrance price very good. Sellers did not mark prices too high. Huge varieties, from babies, children, adults and a good variety for animals. Cash and card available. A lovely Christmas atmosphere was created.
Julie Fairfowl
Great fun! Music from the Casablanca Steps, Shetland Pony Grand National, lots of nice farm beasts. More good shops than last year. A few more plants & poultry would be good.
Clare Salmon
This year was bigger and better than I have experienced in other years. Great mix of content across the stalls and show elements.
Zoe Randall
Charity of the Year
Find out more about our current Charity of the Year, Little Gate Supported Employment:
