Maldon man grows giant vegtables for community pumpkin field

Ben White, 36, of Maldon, started growing the giant edibles as a hobby in 2017.

Since then, he has featured at the RHS Chelesea Flower Show, worked on PR campaigns including with Vauxhall Motors.

Ben has also raised money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance through the proceeds of his horticultural achievements.

Marrow - Ben White with one his other giant marrows which had to be cut down due to weather conditions (Image: Submitted)

This year, Ben decided to grow a giant field pumpkin alongside a giant marrow.

To grow a giant pumpkin, and other vegetables, requires thousands of litres of water, seed selection, and limited sun to avoid ripening.

Ben in particular focuses on soil health and sustainability, choosing not to use sprays or chemicals to keep his produce as natural as possible.

He follows a no-dig growing method which is when instead of disturbing the soil, organic matter is added on top to enrich the quality of the soil.  

Transport - The giant pumpkin and marrow being transported on their way to Reading (Image: Submitted)

A typical field pumpkin - the same type you find in supermarkets or at pick-your-own patches - weighs about 13 pounds.

Ben was able to grow three field pumpkins, each breaking the 100lb mark, with the largest reaching 126lb or 57kg.

The marrow he grew tipped the scales at 101 pounds or 45 kg.

Field - The largest of the field pumpkins weighed 126 pounds or 57kg. (Image: Submitted)

Proud - Ben with his giant marrow after it was offically weighed (Image: Submitted)

The vegetables were officially weighed earlier this month at Wargrave Nursery in Reading.

For this autumn and Halloween, Ben and his partner Dana have created a pumpkin display at their home for the community to enjoy.

Ben said: “It’s been a challenging year.

“With the dry weather and lack of rain, some crops struggled early on, but we’ve still managed to grow most of what we eat and share plenty with family and friends.”

Ben said the harvest this year included everything from sweet potatoes to watermelons.

Invitation - Ben and his partner Dana used the giant pumpkins and other produce to createa a Halloween display (Image: Submitted)

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The community display has a wide range of vegetables from a nearby farm with only items which Ben cannot produce himself being bought from supermarkets or butchers.

Next year, Ben is planning to grow an Atlantic Giant pumpkin with hopes of breaking the 1,000lb mark.

To find out more follow Ben on Instagram at @bwhitesveg.