Ben White, an amateur horticulturalist, has cultivated a giant pumpkin, affectionately named Gladys, which is set to be displayed at an upcoming Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) show. White, who works as an underfloor heating designer, dedicates his spare time to growing large vegetables in a polytunnel at a local farm.
Gladys required months of meticulous preparation, including careful study of irrigation techniques and precise control over water and nutrient levels. The pumpkin was pollinated on June 30 and, at its peak, was growing approximately 40 pounds (18 kg) per day.
White also cultivates other produce such as tomatoes, peppers, chilies, watermelons, and sweet potatoes, aiming to reduce his reliance on supermarkets. He finds deep satisfaction in harvesting food grown from his own plot. In 2021, he made history by being the first grower to exhibit a giant pumpkin within the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.