Secret consultation documents finally released after the Morning Star’s two-year freedom of information battle show the Home Office misrepresented public opinion, claiming support for policies that most respondents actually strongly criticised as dangerous and unfair, writes SOLOMON HUGHES
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Time to get your caulis in a row
Ready now for a spring harvest rich in naturally high in fibre, B-vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients. MAT COWARD provides all advice you need
A growing head of a cauliflower
Our groundbreaking report reveals how private rail companies are bleeding millions from public coffers through exploitative leasing practices — but we have the solutions, writes Aslef Scottish organiser KEVIN LINDSAY
With Reform UK surging and Labour determined not to offer anything different from the status quo, a clear opportunity opens for the left, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE
Reform’s rise speaks to a deep crisis in Establishment parties – but relies on appealing to social and economic grievances the left should make its own, argues NICK WRIGHT
This year’s Bristol Radical History Festival focused on the persistent threats of racism, xenophobia and, of course, our radical collective resistance to it across Ireland and Britain, reports LYNNE WALSH
A maverick’s self-inflicted snake bites could unlock breakthrough treatments – but they also reveal deeper tensions between noble scientific curiosity and cold corporate callousness, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
The FBU is demanding 52 weeks of full pay for women firefighters, highlighting the unique health risks they face — and the continuing need to recruit and retain more women if policies like this are still not in place, writes SEONA HART
OF ALL the standard allotment vegetables, cauliflowers are almost universally considered the hardest to grow.
When I’ve had success with them it’s usually been from an autumn sowing, possibly because they then spend their formative months at a time of year when there are fewer animals and diseases around to stymie them, as well as their being at less risk from hot weather.
Only a few cauli cultivars can be sown at this time. The best-known, and most widely available, is All The Year Round, which, despite the name, can’t actually be sown all the year round, but is perfect for starting off in September or October.
You’ll need to give the plants some basic protection over winter – an unheated greenhouse, a cloche or a cold frame. I’ve used an old window propped up on bricks before, but admittedly that was during a very mild winter.
Although you could try sowing the seeds directly into the soil and then covering the row with cloches, you’ll increase your chances of success if you can start the seeds in trays.
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