Caption: Kevin, Simon and Robin at Chelsea 2018
Caption: Kevin with his Guiness World Record Giant Sunflower
Its RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week, you’ll find us at stand no. EAE548. Chelsea Flower Show inspires us to dream big each year – it’s a show case for what’s possible in gardening. Kevin Fortey, Giant Veg’ Guinness World Record holder, tells us why growing giant vegetables is so important to him…
Growing Giant Vegetables brings with it so much happiness and inspiration into one’s life! Whether you are a CEO or a trainee, growing vegetables, big or small, has no social boundaries. It teaches you so many things about the great outdoors in terms of sustainability, community, as well as love. For me, it helps me to connect with growers from all over the world with the ultimate aim of growing something ‘giant’ and growing communities too.
Gardening keeps us active, as planting, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn can all boost our cardiovascular health and fitness. Seeing the success of hard work in the garden provides a real sense of accomplishment and sense of purpose.
Gardening doesn’t need to be a one-person task. It’s a chance to spend some time together with other gardeners or family. If you have little ones, they can help with planting seeds. Older children might want to learn how to prepare soil and get involved in more technical aspects. Anyone and everyone can enjoy the satisfaction of watching their garden grow.
When it comes to harvest time, the most common question people ask is “Are giant vegetables edible?” Yes, they can be eaten. Most giant vegetables are grown for their visible size and fun in growing something huge. With the help of Dalefoot Composts, our Guinness World Record for the world’s largest beetroot weighed 23.995kg, just over 53 pounds. In 2023, our eighth Guinness World Record was secured for the Heaviest Sunflower Head, weighing 6.448kg over 14 pounds. The wool compost is part of our winning formula.
There’s a limited number of giant Sunflower Seeds from our Guinness World Record breaking plants on the Dalefoot Composts Stand at Chelsea Flower Show. Pop along and have a chat and let’s get sowing and growing…