A retired deep sea diver from Felpham, West Sussex, has defied the odds and grown bananas in his backyard. John White, 83, says he loves a challenge and enjoys growing exotic plants that are not native to the UK.
A Passion for Plants
John White has always had a passion for plants and gardening. He started landscaping his garden after he retired from his career as a deep sea diver, where he worked in the Persian Gulf and other places. He says he likes to grow something out of the ordinary, such as palm trees, tomato vines, and tropical flowers.
But his most impressive plants are his banana trees, which he has been growing for over 20 years. He says he has to nurse them for three to five years before they bear fruit, and he covers them up in the winter to protect them from the cold. He says they want to grow even though it is cold, and they need a lot of dedication and patience.
A Taste of the Tropics
John says his bananas taste the same as the ones you can buy from the supermarket, and he enjoys eating them fresh or making banana bread. He says he can grow anything tropical if he looks after it, and he does not think global warming has anything to do with it. He says it is just a matter of hard work, love, and interest.
He says he is not the only one who grows bananas in Felpham, and he knows of at least two other people who have done it. He says he likes to share his experience and tips with other gardeners who are interested in growing exotic plants. He says he is always looking for new challenges and new plants to grow.
A Remarkable Feat
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and they are grown in over 150 countries across the tropics and subtropics. They usually thrive in warm and humid climates, where they can produce up to two crops per year. The average temperature for optimal growth is 27°C, and they need at least 1000 mm of rainfall per year.
The UK is not an ideal place for growing bananas, as it has a temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature in Felpham is 11°C, and it receives about 800 mm of rainfall per year. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 2°C, and the warmest month is August, with an average high of 21°C.
Therefore, growing bananas in Felpham is a remarkable feat that requires a lot of skill and care. John White has shown that it is possible to grow bananas in his garden, despite the gloomy weather and the unfavorable conditions. He has proven that with enough passion and perseverance, anything can be done.