Seeing how the weather forecast showed a continuous band of rain across Whitley Bay and Newcastle for the duration of the first full weekend in July, it was with some trepidation that we headed up the M1 to attend the North East Chilli Festival. Thankfully though, upon our arrival the rain stopped!
Despite the previous warnings the weather in fact held out and almost seven thousand people passed through the gates of Seaton Delaval Hall on the first day alone – much more than the event organsiers anticipated. It actually proved to be so popular that the road was blocked for over half a mile either side of the venue!
Chilli fans from across the northeast and beyond flocked to the festival to take in the wide range of chilli related delights. Our stall once again drew in the growing enthusiasts, with the grow tents seemingly opening up a world of possibility for intrigued visitors.
Rhizo-Pots were of particular interest to the chilli-growing contingent, both young and old (the benefits of which are discussed in this accompanying article). Why, you may ask? Well, the plant roots do not get bound in these pots – unlike with solid plastic alternatives – and instead facilitate air pruning to increase the lateral root mass, creating and maintaining a healthy root mass. Growers seemed excited to try them out, helping Rhizo-Pots make their way into homes across the North East!
There was also a surprising number of questions about the over-wintered Dorset Naga, which looked pretty impressive in a BudBox Grow Tent. Some of the visitors had heard of overwintering and not seen it in action before, though in truth the concept was new to most of them.
We chatted to visitors about their grows, the problems they have encountered and how the world of indoor gardening can help matters. Again we experienced genuine interest in our products, and the benefits that indoor gardening can offer… we’ve never shifted catalogues so quickly!
At the end of the first day we were quite happy, until the weather report indicated what Sunday would probably have in store for us. Only we got away with it for the second time!
Almost as many visitors showed up as on the Saturday and our stand proved a real success. The catalogues and Rhizo-Pots actually came close to running out!
As we packed up our stall, we reflected on the incredible levels of interest the people in the North East had in our products, and looked forward to returning next year to see how they got on with their Rhizo-Pots.
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