Maldon gardener’s giant pumpkin to compete at RHS show

Gladys was pollinated on 30 June and at her peak was growing 40lb (18kg) a day.

Months of preparation, studying irrigation, and carefully controlled water and nutrition went into growing the giant vegetable.

White works as an underfloor heating designer, but grows vegetables inside a 60ft (18m) polytunnel at a local farm in his spare time.

He also grows tomatoes, peppers, chillies, watermelons and sweet potatoes to avoid having to rely heavily on supermarkets.

“There is something incredibly satisfying about walking on to the plot and bringing home food you’ve grown yourself,” said White.

In 2021 he became the first grower to showcase a giant pumpkin inside the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

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