Nine pairs of the country's best allotmenteers take part in The Big Allotment Challenge, hosted by Fern Britton.

Over six weeks they are put to the test as they attempt to harvest prizewinning fruits, vegetables and flowers for show day. Plus, their preserving skills will be tested to the limit as they are challenged to produce jams, chutneys, cordials, pickles and jellies.

All the challenges are devised by award-winning gardener Jim Buttress, international floral designer Jonathan Moseley and queen of preserves Thane Prince, who are on hand to judge and taste their efforts.

This first show sees the nine pairs of talented gardeners challenged to grow and present three matching radishes, seven perfect spikes of sweet peas and face a timed surprise floral arrangement challenge.

Finally, for a place in the next round, they have to make a fruit jam and fruit curd using ingredients from their allotment. Which pair will impress the experts and be awarded Best in Show and which pair will be the first to leave The Big Allotment Challenge? Show less