Ella Dorman speaks to expert grower Kevin Fortey about the record-breaking vegetables he grows in Cwmbran, and explores how cultivating produce from scratch has breathed life into both gardens and communities across the country.
Situated in Cwmbran, Kevin Fortey’s allotment has produced some of the biggest vegetables in the world. From the UK’s heaviest marrow (203 pounds) to the world’s heaviest beetroot (just under 53 pounds), his record-breaking crops have brought eyes from around the world to the south Wales growing scene.
But the Fortey family are not alone in their love for cultivating food. Gardening has seen a resurgence across the UK since the pandemic: three million people took it up during lockdown, according to the Horticultural Trades Association. Allotment waiting lists have been flooded, and urban gardening has brought fragmented communities together.
“A lot of people discovered gardening during lockdown and never stopped,” says Fortey. “Social media has played a part too. People can share what they’ve grown, exchange advice and inspire others to have a go.”
His love for gardening began at the age of just four, when dad Mike – the brains behind the first giant vegetable competition in Cwmbran – encouraged his son into the garden. “What started as a hobby soon began an obsession with seeing just how big vegetables could grow,” he says.
After Mike passed away in 1996, it wasn’t long before Kevin was competing alongside some of the best growers in the world. Since then, he’s continued to push the limits of what’s possible and has gained dozens of records for both huge vegetables and plants, alongside friendships with other growers.
“Giant vegetables have a wonderful way of making adults feel like children again,” he says. “One memorable sight is when you need several people just to move a giant marrow onto the scales. You certainly don’t tuck a 200-pound marrow under your arm…”
Growing isn’t always plain sailing. “I’ve had vegetables split just before competitions, plants destroyed overnight by slugs or wind and carefully nurtured specimens damaged while being moved,” explains Fortey. “Disappointment is part of the hobby, but it makes the successes even sweeter.”
Social and wellbeing benefits also come with gardening; it gets you moving, provides a feeling of purpose and can even help reduce the cost of your food shop. Gardening is also accessible – “A few pots, a balcony, a windowsill or a small garden can be enough to experience the satisfaction of growing something yourself,” says Fortey – and community growing has environmental benefits, too. Shorter supply chains reduce food miles and contribute to a more self-sufficient food cycle, and taking care of green spaces enables wildlife to thrive.
The screen-free aspect of the hobby also provides wellbeing benefits. “We live in a world where we’re constantly surrounded by phones, screens and notifications,” he says. “Gardening gives you an opportunity to get outside and concentrate on something real and tangible.”
Ironically, social media has shifted attitudes toward gardening. “There’s a new generation sharing gardening through social media, so growing your own food isn’t necessarily seen as an older person’s hobby anymore,” Fortey adds.
The giant vegetable community extends beyond the UK. “It’s a surprisingly international community. We’ve shared tips with Snoop Dogg, Alanis Morissette’s husband Souleye and even an exciting connection in Chile,” says Fortey. Throughout his growing journey, he’s featured on Gardeners’ World and Countryfile, and you might have rubbed shoulders with him at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Welsh Show… and, most recently, a Veg Rave in London. “Over the years I’ve developed friendships and connections with growers around the world.”
Kevin Fortey’s latest Guinness World Record, for the world’s largest basil leaf, is his 15th. But he’s always looking for a new challenge: “Every record represents months and sometimes years of experimenting with genetics, nutrition and growing techniques. I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
“But the records are only part of it. Some of my proudest moments have come from seeing people’s reactions to the vegetables and hearing that something I’ve done has inspired somebody else to start growing. That’s what keeps it exciting after all these years.”
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words ELLA DORMAN
