Comments in newspaper report suggest UK might also one day produce its own bananas and avocados
A report in The Times has revealed that the UK now has its first citrus grove. And thanks to a warming climate, it suggests, the country could soon produce its own oranges, lemons, and mandarins outdoors.
According to the newspaper, a number of citrus varieties planted at Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight are now thriving in an outdoor environment thanks to warmer temperatures – in contrast with a couple of decades ago.
Speaking to the newspaper, head gardener and horticultural expert Wayne Williams said the centre had planted around 30 different citrus varieties, and was also looking at the potential to grow bananas and avocados.
“Crops like apples, which require cold weather, may become harder to grow in the future. At the same time, warmer temperatures are opening the door for crops like citrus to thrive in the UK,” he commented.
