Austin County gardeners brought their best fruits and vegetables to Bellville on June 6 for the 2026 Austin County Home-Grown Vegetable Contest, held at Linseisen’s Feed & Supply.
In addition to the competition, attendees enjoyed an educational program on blanching vegetables for storage presented by Sally Garrett of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. A total of 19 participants entered 76 fruits and vegetables for judging.
Contest organizers thanked Linseisen’s Feed & Supply for hosting the event, Nelson’s Plant Food for providing donations for the Best of Show winners and all participants, and Jody Taylor, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulture Agent for Fort Bend County, who served as the contest judge.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners:
Best of Show
1st Best of Show: Sherry Kutch (Star Acorn Squash)
2nd Best of Show: B.R. Koehler (Rio Red Grapefruit)
3rd Best of Show: Scott Gates (Eggplant)
Best Tomato โ Slicers
1st: Sherry Burham
2nd: Sherry Kuch
3rd: JMG Sealy Garden (BMGA)
Best Tomato โ Snackers
1st: David Konvicka
2nd: Robert Luedeker
3rd: Martha Neva
Biggest Tomato
1st: Scott Gates
2nd: Sherry Kutch
3rd: Sherry Burnham
Best Bell Peppers
1st: Francis Plagens
2nd: Sherry Burnham
3rd: Peter Marshall
Best Banana Peppers
1st: Sherry Burnham
2nd: Peter Marshall
Best All Other Peppers
1st: JMG Sealy Garden (BMGA)
2nd: Sherry Kutch
3rd: Scott Gates
Best Jalapeรฑo Peppers
1st: Marian Cisarik
2nd: Sherry Burnham
3rd: Scott Gates
Best Cucumbers
1st: Scott Gates
2nd: Sherry Burnham
3rd: Peter Marshall
Best Squash
1st: Sherry Burnham
2nd: JL & Gail Spiess
Best Beans/Peas
1st: Scott Gates
2nd: JL & Gail Spiess
3rd: Charles Beckendorf
Best Onions
1st: Charles Beckendorf
2nd: Sherry Burnham
3rd: Mike Matus
Best Potatoes
1st: Mike Matus
2nd: Martha Neva
3rd: Sherry Burnham
Best Okra
1st:Charles Beckendorf
2nd: Sherry Bernham
Best Corn
1st: Mike Matus
Best Fruit/Berries
1st: B.R. Koehler (Rio Red Grapefruit)
2nd: Martha Neva (Peaches)
3rd: B.R. Koehler (Blueberry)
Best of All Others
1st: Scott Gates (Eggplant)
2nd: Martha Neva (Dino Kale)
3rd: Martha Neva (Curly Kale)
Most Unique Vegetable/Fruit
1st: Sherry Kutch (Star Acorn Squash)
2nd: Charles Beckendorf (Squash)
3rd: Scott Gates (Cucumber)
Those interested in participating in next year’s contest can find additional information through the Austin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office. Congratulations again to all of the gardeners who showcased their hard work, dedication, and home-grown success this year.
