Caption: Giant marrow seed ready to sow
Caption: Kevin with last year’s marrow which he harvests seed from
Caption: Getting sowing in Kev’s greenhouse using Dalefoot Wool Compost for Seeds
Caption: Kevin with his World Record giant beetroot at Chelsea
If you’re poring over seed catalogues at the moment, you’re not alone. Looking for the something different to see you through lockdown three? Well, why not try growing giant veg? Kevin Fortey - a world record holder and giant veg legend knows more than most mortals about how to grow an absolute whopper.
Whether it’s a marrow, carrot, leek or runner bean, Kevin is always happy to talk about every aspect of the giant veg world including the importance of nutrient-rich healthy soil. Of course, his formulas are closely guarded but we’re delighted that somewhere in the mix he includes Dalefoot Compost which he trials for us.
If we’ve whetted your appetite, you might like to know that Kevin grew an absolute monster marrow in 2020 (190 lbs) which was featured on the One Show much to delight of the Hairy Bikers who were guests! He says that interest in growing giant vegetables has increased throughout the Coronavirus crisis and puts this down to people having more time at home and being able to focus on the garden. Kevin’s the first to admit that giant veg growing can become an obsession but in lockdown this can create a perfect ‘escape’ from the world outside.
He’s been delighted by the surge in interest and the demand for seeds is increasing. Soon, he will sow his first parsnips, carrots and cabbage. We’ll feature some more of Kevin’s advice on growing giant veg later in the spring. Now is not the time to sow marrow or runner bean seeds as it’s too early and too cold but it is a good time to think about choosing seeds and dreaming of warmer times and a perhaps a giant marrow in your garden.
You can find out more and buy seed at ‘www.giantveg.co.uk’ and if you’d like to purchase Dalefoot Wool Compost for Seeds please visit our website shop.