World record-breaking vegetable grower Gareth Griffin from Guernsey has showcased his latest super-sized produce at this year’s Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, despite the challenges of unseasonally wet weather.
The event, which took place from 13-15 September at Newby Hall, Ripon, attracted over 30,000 visitors. Organised by the North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS), the annual show is renowned for its impressive displays of garden produce, flowers, and expert gardening advice. One of the highlights is always the giant vegetable competition, in which Griffin has become a prominent figure.
Last year, Gareth set a new world record with his colossal onion, which weighed 8.9kg (19.7lb). Although poor weather conditions this year hindered his attempts to surpass that feat, Gareth still brought a super-sized cabbage and tomato to the competition, hoping to replicate his previous success.
Gareth, who has been growing giant vegetables for over three decades, explained that the damp and dull weather in 2023 negatively impacted the growth of his onions. “Onions don’t thrive in these conditions,” he said. However, he remained undeterred, adding that there is no “secret ingredient” to growing giant vegetables, just good seeds, soil, and careful attention. “Achieving the world record last year was the culmination of 30 years of trying, but there’s never a guarantee of success.”
This year, Gareth’s wife Wendy also took part in the competition, entering a giant cucumber for judging. The fascination with growing oversized vegetables clearly runs in the family, with the couple frequently competing together.
Gareth credited much of his success to Peter Glazebrook, a multi-record-breaking grower, who shared onion seeds with him in the past. “You never really know how big your produce is going to be until the week of the show, so it’s always a tense time,” Gareth said, highlighting the unpredictability caused by pests and splitting.
Despite the intense rivalry, Gareth described the giant vegetable growing community as supportive, with fellow growers always willing to share tips, seeds, and advice. “It’s a friendly rivalry,” he said, recalling how other growers were quick to congratulate him on his world record.
In addition to his world record, Gareth’s giant onion gained internet fame, with over 157,000 views of his entry on the Guinness Book of Records website. He believes the public’s fascination with giant vegetables, especially onions, pumpkins, and tomatoes, stems from their ability to capture the imagination while being recognisable as everyday kitchen produce.
The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show featured a variety of activities for gardening enthusiasts, including stunning floral displays, live talks, and cookery demonstrations. Newby Hall’s award-winning gardens also offered visitors the chance to explore Europe’s largest herbaceous flower borders and 15 unique gardens ‘rooms.’
The NEHS, which hosts both the Autumn and Spring Flower Shows annually, continues to support specialist horticultural societies and charitable organisations, committing over £163,000 to such causes at last year’s event.
