A Boston councillor has recalled the “horror” of unearthing his first home-grown vegetable.

Coun Mike Gilbert, deputy leader of Boston Borough Council, began growing his own carrots, potatoes, leeks and beans from his garden in May – after building a raised bed.

His aim was to become more self-sufficient and learn an old skill – but his carrots had other ideas.

“Well, I pulled my first carrot and discovered to my horror that I must be doing something wrong,” he said. “It’s a complete disaster on the carrot front.”

Coun Mike Gilbert looking forlorn at his raised vegetable bed.

placeholder image — Coun Mike Gilbert looking forlorn at his raised vegetable bed.

Attempting to get to the root of the problem, Mike shared a post about the offending vegetable to Facebook - which attracted a few giggles.

“Impressive specimen there, Mike,” said one follower, “Lincolnshire Show material.” Another added: “Back to Asda then.”

Others were quick to offer advice. One asked if he had talked to the carrots. Mike responded: “No I didn't. I think I'll rush out and give them a good talking to now.”

Carrots are biennials, producing a thick, sugary root in the first year, then a long stalk and flowers in the second. However, sudden weather changes and inconsistent watering can trick them into abandoning the root growing stage.

"It gets worse" - Mike pulls up another sad carrot.

"I looked after them too much and over watered them,” recalls Mike. “I pulled 10 others out that had similar shoots, and they were all the same – really slender and woody. I threw them away.”

Feeling philosophical, he took the vegetable disappointment as chance to learn and grow himself. “Maybe it’s a lesson in life,” he added. “One purpose of any organism is to seed, and usually there is an element of hardship and sacrifice. But in this case, not for my carrots. They had water and nourishment in abundance so there was little need to struggle. I'm paying the price for my generosity. I’ve stopped watering the leeks!”

Explaining why he wanted to grow his own, Mike added: “I don’t think the economy is a particularly good place. I think it’s important that people learn to be a bit more self-sufficient, and try to pick up these traditional skills.

“Sadly all my beans have died too,” he admits, adding: “My grandfather used to grow veg during the war, but my father preferred growing flowers. I now know why. But I will persevere.”