Meet John Soulsby
A Life on the Show Bench and a Legacy in Growing
John Soulsby: Gardener, Innovator, and Community Pillar
John Soulsby is one of the UK’s most respected exhibition vegetable growers. For decades, he has been known for his record-breaking leeks and onions, his national wins, and the straightforward way he shares his knowledge. From the BBC’s Great Village Show to producing what was once the world’s heaviest leek, John has built a reputation for quality, consistency, and community. Today, his focus is on teaching and supplying plants so the next generation of growers can find the same pride and purpose on the show bench.
Where It Began
John’s growing story began in 1972 with the purchase of his first garden. What started as a simple interest quickly became a lifelong pursuit. By the early 1980s, he was already well established, showing heavy leeks across the North East and winning year after year. Those early days, often filmed and shared in the community, captured a proud tradition of competitive growing in mining villages — where the leek bench was a place of pride, camaraderie, and skill.
Champion of the Show Bench
John’s reputation reached new heights in the early 2000s when he appeared on the BBC’s Great Village Show and won first prize for the heaviest leek. That victory was celebrated at Highgrove with the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. In 2007, John went on to grow what was then the world’s heaviest leek at 18lb 5oz. These achievements confirmed his standing as one of the UK’s leading show growers and set a benchmark for others to follow.
Seen on
Passing On the Knowledge
After many years competing, John turned his focus to helping others. Today, he no longer grows for the bench himself, but produces high-quality leek plants that have helped countless growers win prizes of their own. He is also a respected judge, regularly invited to shows across the country. Through instructional videos, talks, and now his dedicated courses, John continues to share the practical techniques he has refined over a lifetime, always with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.
From his home in Kibblesworth, John has chaired the UK North East Horticultural Society, run a successful garden centre, and built a career that has spanned wholesaling, Dutch auctions, and the Christmas tree trade. But for him, competitive gardening has always been about more than vegetables. It’s about tradition, pride, and even wellbeing. For many growers, the leek trench has offered both challenge and purpose. John has never forgotten that heritage, and he remains passionate about encouraging new generations to get involved, whether for competition, for the satisfaction of growing something remarkable, or simply for the joy of it.
More Than Growing
Learn Directly from John
If you want to grow your own show-quality vegetables, John’s step-by-step Exhibition Onion Growing Course and Exhibition Leek Growing Course are the perfect place to begin. These courses are designed for anyone who wants to raise stronger, healthier plants, whether you’re aiming for the show bench or simply striving for the best results in your garden.
Both courses are designed to help you grow with confidence, whatever your level of experience. Tap the button below to learn more.
"I have known John Soulsby for more years than I care to remember, both as a grower and friend. John is a consummate grower of leeks and onions and is always willing to help other growers, particularly through his YouTube channel. All the best John."
Medwyn Williams
MBE AHRHS FNVS, Welsh vegetable gardener,
11 times winner of the Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.
