Crossword Genius

A less fashionable way to support growth in summer time initially (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

back street

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a less fashionable way' is the definition.
'back street' can be an answer for 'way' (back street is a kind of way). I am unsure of the 'a less fashionable' bit.

'support growth in summer time initially' is the wordplay.
'support' becomes 'back' (to back is to support or endorse).
'growth' becomes 'tree' (I have seen 'Large growth ' mean 'tree' so perhaps 'growth' could also mean 'tree').
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'summer time initially' becomes 'st' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'tree' put inside 'st' is 'street'.
'back'+'street'='BACK STREET'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for back street that I've seen is " not in a big way".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.