Giant Vegetables
GROWING GIANT VEGETABLES.
Choose your spot.
A sunny, sheltered aspect is ideal, with the best possible
soil - deep and well-drained. Consider using large containers (eg barrels) if
your soil is not suitable. Well-rotted garden compost is superb.
Use giant growing varieties.
Sow early to maximise your growing season. Use cloches and horticultural
fleece to protect plants from frost and inclement weather.
Feed your soil.
Leafy vegetables like cabbages need extra nitrogen, in the
form of a product like dried blood or Chempak High-Nitrogen Fertiliser.
Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes need a high potassium fertiliser after the
fruit has begun to set, such as a liquid tomato feed (organic version
available). Always apply according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Water frequently.
Giant vegetables need a great deal of water to reach their
maximum size. A slow supply of water to the roots, eg by a system of
drip irrigation, is more effective than large, infrequent supplies of water
which can cause stress and cracking in the vegetable.
Thin the crop.
Remove all the vegetables from the plant except for the
intended giant one, to concentrate all the nutrients into the giant vegetable
alone.
Be vigilant.
Protect the vegetable from damage by placing a protective
mat, eg of groundcover fabric, beneath it as it grows. Check the plant
regularly for pests and diseases, and hand-pick caterpillars etc. Keep
weeds at bay and ensure your plant has sufficient space to grow.