Grandad makes history by growing bananas in Sheffield back garden

A green-fingered Sheffield grandad has made city history after growing bananas in his garden.
Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew RoeAustin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe

Austin Grant, aged 62, said he was ‘jumping for joy’ after his banana trees fruited for the first time since being planted nine years ago.

Now Austin, of Sheffield Lane Top, feels like he’s in Jamaica every time he looks into his garden.

Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew RoeAustin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
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He said: “When I saw the bananas I was over the moon – literally jumping for joy.

“I never thought the trees would grow any bananas because it’s too cold and I’m amazed that they have.”

“I’m quite confident that I must be the only person to grow bananas in Sheffield – every time I look out of my conservatory it feels like I’m in Jamaica.”

Dad-of-four Austin said his eight grandchildren love to see his 15 banana trees with delicious fruits hanging off.

Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew RoeAustin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
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He said: “The grandchildren love it, they are really excited to taste them soon.”

Austin, who is well-known in Sheffield for starting Music in the Sun festival, said his he hopes his bananas will be ripe by May.

He said: “I’m hoping the bananas taste good, but I’ve never tasted one grown in England before so we’ll see.”

But even if the Blighty bananas don’t taste good – Star towers thinks they will – the trees boast more than one way of bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Sheffield.

Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew RoeAustin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
Austin Grant has managed to grow bananas in his back garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
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Austin said: “If you wrap fish in the banana leaves and cook them on a wood fire, the taste is magical.

Austin, who works as a driver for Sheffield Council, has also grown lemons, sweet potatoes and more in his garden.

He said: “I love to grow things, it’s a one of my favourite hobbies.”