Growing for Gold

The exhibit showcased the company’s expansive range of edible crops which span every colour of the rainbow. Grow the Rainbow perfectly exemplified the natural benefits of homegrown produce while taking the meaning of ‘eating the rainbow’ to another level. She Grows Veg, which specialises in sourcing heirloom vegetable, edible flower and fruit seeds, set out to create an immersive journey of homegrown beauty comprising vegetable plants, harvested veg, seeds, microgreens and vertical and urban growing.

Surrounded by meticulously curated floral displays and elegant ornamental arrangements, Grow the Rainbow was a standout reminder that natural brilliance isn’t restricted to flowers and faunas, but abundant in enriching, edible produce. The garden resulted in She Grows Veg receiving their second Gold Medal within just two years of trading – an accolade which reflected judges’ appreciation for the garden’s vibrant celebration of biodiversity and the joy of growing your own food.

She Grows Veg is the brainchild of former celebrity jewellery designer, Lucy Hutchings, and ex-marketer, Kate Cotterill. They formed the company with one clear mission: to inspire and empower individuals to grow their own food.

The She Grows Veg staple of produce is firmly centred on heirloom plants, which are typically richer than hybrids in colour, nutrition and taste. Steeped in history, the heirloom seeds on offer from She Grows Veg range from a 1,500-year-old bean that was found in a cave close to extinction, to ‘Manpukuji’ carrots saved from extinction by a family of specialist carrot growers in Japan who are now a key supplier to the business.

With expansive content, tips and tutorials, the business has made its name on social media. Instagram followers number close to a quarter of a million, who consume regular posts and insights demystifying vegetable gardening for novices and enthusiasts alike. Whether cultivating heritage tomatoes or exploring rare heirlooms, the female-only team ensures growing fanatics are supported every step of the way.

Though the business HQ is firmly rooted in Suffolk, Kate and Lucy have created a “band of brilliant trial growers who live everywhere from Scotland to Cornwall.” Gardeners who grow in balcony containers, allotments, gardens, small holdings and even on farms, they plant the firm’s seeds then give feedback based on their location, climate and soil type so that the team can offer customers the best advice and varieties, wherever they are.

Variety isn’t just the spice of life: it’s the secret to better health. A diet of colourful fruits and vegetables not only brightens up the dining table, but offers an array of phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that together infuse the body with goodness.

• Red - Rich in lycopene and anthocyanins, these compounds support heart health, may help lower the risk against certain cancers and may even help reduce signs of ageing.
• Orange - Packed with betacarotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, this nutrient is crucial for vision, immune function and skin health.
• Yellow - Containing lutein and zeaxanthin, these antioxidants are known for promoting eye health and reducing inflammation.
• Green - Loaded with folate, chlorophyll and other compounds that support bone strength, detoxification and disease prevention, leafy greens are an essential source of folate during pregnancy.
• Purple - High in anthocyanins and resveratrol, these nutrients are powerful allies in promoting brain health, improving memory and combating inflammation.
• White - Full of flavonoids and sulphur-rich allicin, eating these foods can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and enhance immune defence.

Although only established in November 2023, She Grows Veg has rapidly emerged as a major force in the horticultural world. In just 18 months, the brand has built a devoted online following approaching a quarter of a million Instagram followers and achieved the remarkable feat of winning two consecutive Gold Medals at Chelsea.

Whatever the future holds, Lucy and Kate have a steadfast mission: to showcase the beauty and breadth of vegetable gardening while making it accessible, educational and deeply rewarding.

• Heirloom tomato soup 

Capture the intense, sun-ripened flavour of heirloom tomatoes in this homemade ketchup that’s ideal for summer barbecues and alfresco dining.

Heirloom Tomato Ketchup | She Grows Veg

• Mangelwurzel wine

A charming and unconventional beverage made from mangelwurzel, offering a balance of earthy notes and gentle sweetness – ideal for sipping in the sun.

Mangelwurzel wine recipe - Stephanie Hafferty | She Grows Veg

• Poppy seed bread rolls

Delightfully soft rolls sprinkled with poppy seeds – perfect for picnics or served warm alongside fresh garden salads.

Poppy Seed Bread Rolls | She Grows Veg

• Succession sowing - plant at intervals to extend your harvest across the season
• Consistent watering - maintain even soil moisture to prevent stress-related issues like bolting or splitting
• Regular harvesting - pick produce frequently to encourage continued growth and avoid spoilage
• Strategic spacing - allow adequate room for each plant to thrive by thinning seedlings as needed
• Crop rotation - minimise pests and disease by rotating crops each year
• Pest management - use natural methods and attract beneficial insects to maintain balance
• Soil health - fortify your soil with compost or organic matter to support healthy growth
• Observation -stay vigilant and inspect plants regularly to catch issues early
• Support structures - use trellises or stakes for climbing varieties such as beans or tomatoes
  Mulching - retain moisture, suppress weeds and stabilise soil temperatures with mulch