Reports reach us that this could be a bumper year for giant vegetables.  It is down to the summer’s very wet and sunny start.  Many top growers are reporting that with plenty of moisture in the soil, warmth without too much heat and little cold rain, conditions are well nigh perfect for many of what they hope will be their record-breaking specimens.  This humid mix is proving particularly good for cucumbers, marrows and runner beans.

The British and world record for the heaviest marrow, set in 2005, is a whopping 136lb 9oz, while the British record for the longest runner bean, set in the same year, is almost 35in.  It will be interesting to see whether any records are smashed at the National Amateur Gardening Show in early September.  We are certainly expecting some heavyweight pumpkins, which are also enjoying conditions this summer.  Channel Four will be attending the Show to make a documentary on the event.