...the Royal Horticultural Society have enquired how the veg plants I was growing from the seed they gave me are doing. Back in April, I felt quite confident of growing 'Alicante' tomatoes, 'Boltardy' beetroot, 'Chenzo' chillies and 'Hundredweight' pumpkins, to show them off in competition with other gardening journalists* at the RHS Autumn Harvest Show in London, October 4-5.

However, things didn't get off to a great start...

So last week, when the RHS asked how it was going, I had to be honest. I told them: 'The tomatoes are just starting to set fruit, the chillies are in a state of suspended animation, and the pumpkins have disappeared, unless they’re the weedy things that I believe to be courgettes. But the beetroot are doing well.'

The RHS were unfazed, adding that the gardening media challenge is a light-hearted event. Just as well - I don't want anyone mocking my beetroot entry!

Although I'm pleased that I managed to grow the beetroot, I'm not sure they'll tick all the relevant points on the RHS's marking list. 'Merits: Spherical, of approximately 60-75mm in diameter with a taproot and smooth skin of a uniform dark colour. Foliage trimmed to approximately 75mm. Defects: Specimens that are too large, too misshapen, tough, multi-rooted, or marked with pest damage, have corky skin, or show signs of age.'

If you'd like to see my beetroot and, more importantly, the amazing displays from other more competent gardeners, we have 50 tickets for the RHS Autumn Harvest Show to give away.

For a chance of a ticket, email erinoconnor@rhs.org.uk - with Allaboutyou.com Autumn Harvest Show ticket giveaway in the subject line, and the first 50 to respond will receive tickets.

* I wouldn't normally call myself a gardening journalist; it's just one of the subjects I cover on Allaboutyou, so I'm no expert! Oh, and those beetroot in the pic aren't mine - mine are still in the ground...