The judges of this year’s Oxford in Bloom have offered up their topical tips to show that anyone can get involved in making the city blossom.

Experienced gardeners John Alcock, Trish Stevens and Harry Robinson say you don’t need an extensive garden or years of experience to enter the competition.

The 2009 categories include Most Beautiful Hanging Basket, Most Florally Attractive Window Box and Most Beautiful Balcony — proving that size does not matter.

Judge Trish Stevens explained the basics of starting a hanging basket or window box. She said: “You need lots and lots of plants but you don’t need expensive compost, normal multi-purpose stuff will do.

“Put a handful of fertiliser in and some perlite, a type of volcanic rock to loosen up the soil, and put as many colourful plants in as possible.

“You can also add some slow-release fertiliser if you want.”

Fellow judge Harry Robinson said: “The secret to a good hanging basket is the watering and the feeding. You must water it every day, even if it rains, and feed it once a week with a weak tomato food.”

Mrs Stevens added: “Cleanliness and tidiness is also important – and dead heading is vital.

“We also look at the quality of the plants and the colour scheme. It’s not always flowers – greenery, presentation and bedding plants count.”

Mr Robinson, who first entered Oxford in Bloom in 1987 before becoming a judge, said: “It’s amazing what you can do with small gardens.

“Some of the entries are excellent. We also get lots of new entries each year, and that’s what we are hopeful for again. It’s the next generation of gardeners that we are looking for.”

For a full list of categories and judging details, visit the city council’s website: oxford.gov.uk