What unites giant vegetable growers around the world is a competitive spirit and great dedication.
Many retirees devote themselves to growing some fruits and vegetables in their gardens. But for 80-year-old Peter Glazebrook, there’s a small difference: Instead of growing tomatoes for a summer salad, Broke a record with 27.48 kilos of cauliflowerThere are green beans that are 89.7 centimeters long and potatoes that weigh 4.98 kilos. “I was looking for a new challenge,” he explains to Euronews Green from his home in Nottingham.
More than 20 years ago Peter exhibited vegetables conquered the worldWhere gardeners prioritize appearance, form and condition and decide to dedicate themselves to the fascinating and competitive world of the garden. giant vegetablesWhere size and weight are valued above all else.
After winning 25 Guinness records and current owner of gold (With the world’s heaviest eggplant – 3.12 kilos – and the largest bean leaf – 63.8 centimeters by 67.7 centimeters), it can be said that the move turned out well.
Photos of Peter proudly holding his vegetables often appear in the media, but we must remember that this is only the end result. They are behind the scenes months of hard work, skill and dedication raising these extraterrestrial creations. In Peter’s words: “This is essentially my life and has been for years.”
Growing Giant Vegetables Requires Dedication
Peter explains that many vegetables need some care long growth period to be giant. This requires special equipment such as artificial heating and lighting, daily watering and, of course, lots of love. “Most of the time I can’t go on holiday because I have to be there to check on the vegetables,” he says.
This is what it takes to compete with the best breeders in the world. Events are held in the UK across the country as Peter and his colleagues battle to see who has the biggest, heaviest or longest vegetables.
“It’s a very close competition, but it’s a friendly one. We like to chat with each other and exchange seeds,” he explains. There is also one Strong community on FacebookWhere gardeners can stay up to date on their exploits between shows.
Climate change makes growing vegetables harder
In addition to strong competition, the impact of climate change also needs to be taken into account. This year has been difficult in the UK, with weather conditions complicating the delicate growing process. This is a trend Peter has been observing for some time. “There is definitely a change in the climate,” he says. “I can go back a long time and Seasons have changed in the last 10 years“.
April was revealed to be the wettest month of the previous 18 months in the UK since the Met Office started collecting data in 1836. As human-caused climate change worsens, Extreme weather events will become more frequent and last longer in England. This has implications for farmers of all stripes, from farmers to big-time vegetable enthusiasts.
Despite this, society giant vegetables He is in good health, and many new competitors have emerged in the more than 20 years that Peter has been involved.
Top of the competition calendar National Giant Vegetable ChampionshipHeld at the Malvern Autumn Fair. Manufacturers from all over the UK come together to showcase their jewellery.
here it is Peter achieved most world records. However, weather conditions may make it difficult to repeat their success at this year’s race, which takes place next weekend. “I’ve lost a lot this year, so I don’t have much hope,” he admits.
But missing out on big prizes won’t hurt your wallet too much. Despite There are awards in different categories At exhibitions, this is generally a loss-making exercise, apart from the occasional sponsored prize which can net you up to £1,000 (€1,192). “We always say this If you can get the gas money, you put on a good show“Peter is kidding.
How to grow giant vegetables?
If you want to step into the world of giant vegetables, Peter gives you some important tips. “Start with summer vegetables“It’s like tomatoes because their season is short and they don’t need many facilities such as greenhouses and heating,” he says.
“Moreover You have to buy the right seeds.. You’ll never grow anything big if you don’t start with the right kind of seed. Then you must provide the right growing conditions for each vegetable. This may mean building special structures in the garden, some light, good fertilizer and watering. “You actually have to observe them every day.”
