Choosing whether to participate in Pottstown‘s annual Regional Home Garden Contest is a no-brainer.
You can reap a trifecta of benefits through registering, including helping to jazz up your community through the planting of colorful flowers; growing fresh and healthy food to inspire summer meals; and a chance to win a monetary prize if you place in one of eight categories.
Gardeners can register at no cost to compete in one of eight categories. (Photo submitted by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation)
Inspire your neighbors
The contest, presented through a partnership between Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, Mosaic Community Land Trust, and Building a Better Boyertown, caters to any size garden or patio, so there is no excuse not to go for it. Also, in the process, you might inspire your neighbors to do the same, and the end result will be a neighborhood you feel proud to be a part of because everyone takes great care of their outdoor living space.
“Open to both beginner and experienced gardeners, the contest is designed to encourage gardening as a practical way to support physical and mental health while strengthening a sense of community,” said Sam Mirarchi, marketing and communications specialist at Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, formerly known as the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation.
The Pottstown Regional Garden Contest provides those living in the Pottstown region with an opportunity to enhance their neighborhood. (Photo submitted by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation)
“Beyond the gardeners themselves, the effort is intended to add beauty to neighborhoods and create visible benefits for neighbors, visitors, and others who move through the community every day.”
On top of all of these benefits, it’s free to register, and it will offer you a chance to keep your body moving this summer due to the physical activity required to keep up one’s gardens.
Contest expanding
This year, the contest is expanding to include Washington Township in Berks County. Judging will take place in July, along with a self-guided tour on July 18, with an awards luncheon happening on Sept. 27.
Gardening of all types encourages physical activity during the growing season. (Photo submitted by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation)
“Gardening is a simple, but meaningful way for residents to invest in their own block, their own home, and the broader community around them,” said Rose Walters, committee member, Regional Home Garden Contest.
“This contest recognizes the care people put into those spaces, and we are glad to welcome Washington Township into the regional effort this year as we continue creating more opportunities for neighbors to participate, connect, and take pride in where they live.”
Eligible participants
Eligible participants include residents of Pottstown Borough, Boyertown Borough, Colebrookdale Township, Douglass Township in Montgomery County, Douglass Township in Berks County, New Hanover Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Lower Pottsgrove Township, West Pottsgrove Township, North Coventry Township, East Coventry Township, and Washington Township.
Gardeners of all ages and abilities can participate in the regional garden contest. (Photo submitted by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation)
Eight categories
Participants may enter one of eight categories:
General Garden – Small
General Garden – Large
Pleasant Porch
Outdoor Oasis
Pocket Garden
Curb Appeal
Edible Garden
Youth Gardener
Judging and prizes
Gardens will be judged on maintenance, plant condition, layout, plant variety, aesthetic value, and creativity. Adult prizes range from $50 to $200, and youth prizes range from $10 to $100. Garden judging will take place from July 12 to 26. An awards luncheon will be held Sept. 27.
Self-guided tour
In addition to the contest, the 2026 season will include a self-guided Regional Home Garden Tour on Saturday, July 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour participants will receive garden descriptions and a map before the event and may visit participating gardens during the six-hour tour window. Tickets are available online, with advance admission set at $20, day-of admission at $25, and youth admission for ages 16 and under at $10.
Registration is free and open until June 19, at 5 p.m. To register, visit www.prcf.short.gy/2026-Reg-RHGC. Residents may also submit a paper form by mail or drop-off through Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, Attn: Gardens, 152 E. High St., Suite 500, Pottstown, PA 19464, or Building a Better Boyertown, 3 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512. To qualify, judges must have access to the garden being entered. Tickets are available at www.prcf.short.gy/2026-Tickets-RHGT. For more information, visit https://homegardencontest.com.
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