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
MODERN varieties of celery aren’t too hard to grow, but you’ll improve your chances of success considerably if you prepare the soil in advance.
Last autumn was arguably the best time for that, but if you’ve had to sell your time machine to pay the gas bill, then late winter or early spring will do fine.
In the wild, celery is a marshland plant, and our cultivated types have inherited that need for constant moisture. It’s a crop that must never be allowed to dry out completely, even at the height of summer. The ground it’s grown in should be rich, deep and moisture-retentive.
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


