Students soil success could earn their school the big bucks

Tasmanian schools are invited to roll up their sleeves and get growing in the 2026 Let it Grow competition, a hands-on challenge that tests students’ skills in vegetable growing and soil health.

Coordinated by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Let it Grow encourages students to explore the science behind sustainable food production while having fun in the garden. 

As part of Let it Grow, schools are encouraged to participate in the quirky Soil Your Undies challenge, sponsored by the TAS Farm Innovation Hub. This involves students burying cotton undies in the school veggie patch for six weeks to observe how well their soils supports biological activity, and the most degraded pair of undies will be declared the winner.

Registrations for the 2026 competition officially opened on Tuesday, with TIA aiming to welcome 50 schools - the largest field yet - before entries close on December 19, 2025.

TIA Director, Professor Mike Rose, said strong support from sponsors has allowed the prize pool to be expanded with more than $4,000 in prizes, including gardening supplies and educational workshops.

“This year we’re pleased to partner with Harvest Moon, who are generously supplying schools with carrot seeds for the Let it Grow vegetable growing competition,” Professor Rose said. 

“Harvest Moon are also offering a guided tour of their facilities and a $1000 prize to the school that grows the largest carrot. This is an exciting opportunity for schools to expand their garden and growing programs,” Professor Rose said.

The Let it Grow competition has three prizes, including:

• First prize - $1,000 for the winning school to support and expand their garden and growing program and an optional guided facilities tour, sponsored by Harvest Moon.
• Second prize - a $750 prize pack sponsored by Horticultural and Landscape Supplies and an educational experience with a TIA entomologist
• Third prize - a $250 voucher to spend on gardening supplies, sponsored by TIA

Professor Rose said the competition has rapidly grown in popularity since its beginning in 2023.

“Let it Grow is not just about growing big veggies and burying undies in the school garden. Students gain hands-on experience, learn about soil health and sustainable food production, and can start thinking about the wide range of career opportunities in agriculture and food industries,” Professor Rose said.

“We hope this competition will plant a seed, inspiring some of these students to later become agronomists, farmers, business leaders, or food innovators who will help to shape a sustainable and productive agricultural future.”

The TAS Farm Innovation Hub sponsored Soil Your Undies challenge has three prizes on offer, including:

• First prize - bulk soil or mulch delivery to the value of $1,000 and a workshop with an NRM soil scientist
• Second prize - bulk soil or mulch delivery to the value of $750
• Third prize - $250 voucher to spend on landscaping supplies

The Director of the TAS Farm Innovation Hub Sandra Knowles said the Soil Your Undies Challenge offered an engaging way to highlight the connection between healthy soils and climate resilience.

“Soil plays a vital role in helping us adapt to and manage the impacts of a changing climate. Healthy soils store more carbon, hold more water, and support stronger, more productive plants,” she said. 

“Through this challenge, students can see firsthand how living soils contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture and the environment.”

The Let it Grow competition runs from February to May 2026 and concludes with a ceremony at Agfest, where schools submit their largest carrot for weighing and their soiled undies for judging.

The 2026 Let it Grow and Soil Your Undies competition is generously supported by the TAS Farm Innovation Hub, Harvest Moon, and Horticultural and Landscape Supplies.

Schools can register now at: www.utas.edu.au/tia/study/let-it-grow