Wānaka A&P Show organisers are encouraging local residents to get involved in the traditional produce-growing, arts and crafts competitions.

The popular ‘Home Industry’ displays are an iconic element of the Wānaka A&P Show, which will be held at the Wānaka Showgrounds on March 10-11 next year. 

The Home Industry pavilion receives more than 1,500 entries in dozens of competition classes every year, from the best locally grown flowers to homemade jams and preserves.

Wānaka A&P Show event manager Jane Stalker says the show is well-timed to show off the fruits and creations of the summer holidays.

Each year the Home Industry competition shows off the best homemade goods, from locally grown flowers to homemade jams and preserves.

“With many local schools finishing up this week, now is the perfect time to get the kids into the garden or start working on their arts and crafts projects to keep them busy over the holidays,” she said. 

“There are plenty of different categories for children and youth to enter, from growing produce to photography and baking. 

“It’s great to see these skills being passed from generation to generation and it’s an incentive to get the kids outside these school holidays.”

Harvest Homegrown founder and local veggie gardener Erin Allison says early December is the perfect time to ramp up efforts in the garden.

Wānaka A&P Show event manager Jane Stalker said the competition provides a good incentive to get kids started on arts and craft projects over the school holidays.

“Now is the time to take stock of what’s growing well and what needs special attention in order to produce award-winning crops in March,” she said. 

“But if you are just starting out, there is still time to plant veggies that will be ready in 90 days or less, such as beans, carrots, beetroot, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

“If you are aiming for the biggest pumpkin, your plants should be in the ground and reasonably established by now, so make sure you feed them regularly with a liquid fertiliser – a sheep-poo slurry is ideal. 

“They grow well during the long, hot days of summer. Just watch out for any sneaky frosts and be sure to water them regularly.”

Harvest Homegrown founder Erin Allison says December is the perfect time to ramp up efforts in the garden.

Entries for a wide variety of Home Industry categories will open on January 9.

Find more information at the Wānaka A&P Show website.

PHOTOS: Wānaka A&P Show