1. Tips and tricks for Showing:

1. Select your plants early in the morning, cut at an angle and place them directly into cool water. Cut at the peak of maturity-for show purposes, that means when the main bloom is 3⁄4 open. The exception to the rule are dahlias which will not continue to open once they are cut. So choose one that is already fully opened.

2. Do not show plants with blemishes, spent flowers or pest damage. No leaf polish may be used. But wiping with a wet cloth beforehand will only help. 

3. A helpful trick as we get closer is to protect your blooms with an organza bag. You can pick some up at Michaels. They work great if you’re battling beetles! 

4. Do not refrigerate your veggies, they will be outside and condonation could lead to bruising on them.