The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
MY CHICORY plants, intended for producing blanched chicons for winter salads, fell victim to the drought this summer, so I’m going to have to improvise.
As luck would have it, my garden contains plenty of dandelions. I realise this will come as a shock to readers of this column, whose own vegetable plots, I have no doubt, are scrupulously tended and free from weeds.
But perhaps your less meticulous neighbours might be able to provide you with your source material.
More expensive by weight than gold, saffron is surprisingly simple to grow. MAT COWARD explains
MAT COWARD takes a look at some of the options for keen gardeners as we enter 2026
Commiserations if you failed this year, MAT COWARD offers six points which, if followed religiously, will ensure you succeed next year
MAT COWARD sings the praises of the Giant Winter’s full-depth, earthy and ferrous flavour perfect for rich meals in the dark months


