Vincent Sjodin, also known as Vince the Veg, has broken the world record for the heaviest cucumber, weighing in at an astounding 29lb 8oz (13.4kg). The incredible vegetable measured 4ft (1.2m) long and broke the previous record by more than 14oz (0.4kg) at the UK National Giant Vegetables Championships held last month. Sjodin had previously broken another world record in 2021, growing a marrow that weighed a staggering 256lbs 10oz (116.4kg).
Sjodin, who lives in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, started growing giant vegetables about six years ago after seeing a display at the Vale of Glamorgan show at Fonmon Castle. Since then, he has been growing various colossal crops, smashing records and winning firsts at national competitions. At September’s UK National Giant Vegetables Championships alone, he also scored five firsts for his 60lb (27kg) marrow, 1,302lb (590.6kg) pumpkin, and the heaviest potato weighing 5Ib 2oz (2.4kg).
When asked about his growing tips and tricks, Sjodin said he looks for advice online and trades seeds with other growers from around the world. He even contacted growers from the USA and Germany to trade seeds from his 2021 record-breaking marrow. He plans to do the same with his cucumber’s seeds when he cuts it open in a few weeks. Vince believes that the seed is a significant factor, but his secret formula for growing giant vegetables remains a mystery. However, he has confirmed that his cans of ale in the photos next to his specimens are only for scale and have nothing to do with pouring beer in the soil.
Growing giant vegetables requires hard work and dedication, with Sjodin devoting four hours every night after work and six hours every weekend during the summer. Nevertheless, bad weather can cause problems, leading to mildew that can ruin crops. Sjodin lost a 217lb (98.4kg) marrow earlier this year due to rainfall, eventually bursting open.
Sjodin, who uses a scaffold netting and a hammock to prevent his veggies from collapsing under their weight, knows that his vegetables are making headlines worldwide. He even joked about the viral sensation, saying, “everyone wants seeds from a world record winner.
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