Cabbage Patch Kids

Bonnie Plants, an Alabama company that raises vegetables, flowers and other plants for sale around the country, holds a giant cabbage competition each year that’s known for producing humongous specimens. Many of the plants raised by third graders reach 35 pounds; at least once has broken the 50-pound barrier. Out of the approximately one million cabbage plants shipped to schools around the country each year, 48 winners are chosen by state agriculture directors. Wisconsin’s most recent victor, Hailey Richardson of Lodi, a town north of Madison, grew her over-sized “O.S. Cross” breed of Brassica oleracea to an impressive 35 pounds. Hailey…