Phoebe Cornish

A food writer shares her grandmother’s method for making tastier coleslaw by chopping the ingredients much more finely than usual, producing a melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture while retaining crunch. The process can be done using a blender to break down the vegetables before hand‑chopping to the desired size. A classic coleslaw recipe and preparation steps accompany the tip, along with guidance on combining shredded vegetables with a mustard‑mayo‑yoghurt dressing and seasoning to taste.

Gardeners are advised to remove invasive English ivy using a natural homemade spray made from apple cider vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid. Experts report that the solution dries out ivy leaves and weakens their protective layer, with visible effects after several days. Dead growth should then be cut away and roots removed to prevent regrowth, while copper or zinc materials can discourage future clinging. Ivy’s environmental benefits are noted, but its potential to damage structures and overwhelm plants is highlighted as a key concern.

Cardboard is presented as a simple, chemical‑free weed‑control method that works by smothering growth while enriching the soil. Gardening expert Elizabeth Florio recommends layering plain, non‑glossy cardboard beneath mulch to suppress weeds, and gardeners on the Charles Dowding forum report strong results using this approach. Wetting the cardboard helps it stay in place, and adding compost and soil allows planting directly above the barrier.

Four natural weed-killing methods—salt, white vinegar, lemon juice, and boiling water—were tested on patio and driveway weeds. Salt combined with boiling water and a vinegar-and-soap solution delivered rapid, visible results, with salt proving the most effective at preventing regrowth. Lemon juice showed no effect, likely due to rain, while boiling water wilted weeds but failed to fully kill established plants. The tests highlight practical differences in effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for different types of weeds.

Gardeners are advised that magnesium deficiency is a common but overlooked cause of tomato plant yellowing, stunted growth and poor fruit quality. Experts note that Epsom salt, applied monthly either to the soil or as a foliar spray, can correct the issue when confirmed by a simple soil test. Magnesium plays a key role in chlorophyll production, and deficiency symptoms include yellowing between leaf veins and premature leaf drop. Overuse of Epsom salt can harm plants, particularly when high potassium levels block magnesium uptake, so careful and limited application is recommended.

A simple June pruning method known as truss pruning can help gardeners grow larger tomatoes by removing smaller or misshapen fruits so the plant can concentrate its energy on fewer, bigger ones. Greenhouse experts at Juliana and guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society recommend pruning indoor plants after seven trusses and outdoor plants after four, typically beginning in June as fruit sets. The technique enhances sweetness, juiciness and overall fruit size by directing nutrients to a limited number of tomatoes.

Glucose spikes linked to processed carbohydrates can lead to cravings, mood swings and long-term health issues including insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. Health advisor Steve Bennett recommends limiting hidden sugars, increasing fibre intake, pairing carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats, making lower-glycaemic food swaps and taking short walks after meals to reduce spikes. Nighttime snacking is discouraged due to reduced insulin sensitivity later in the day.

St Ives is described as a beautiful but overcrowded and less appealing beach destination during peak season, with murky waters and limited space. A short drive away, Gwithian Towans and Godrevy beaches offer clearer water, expansive sands, fewer crowds, and impressive sunset views, making them a more rewarding alternative. The area provides easier parking and a more tranquil coastal experience despite having fewer facilities.

Chefs recommend slow cooking rather than boiling to enhance carrots’ texture and flavour, with techniques ranging from gently simmering baby carrots to slow roasting thick batons before finishing them in an air fryer. Expert tips include creating a citrus glaze, using warm spices, and incorporating carrots into sweet dishes such as a traditional spiced pudding.

Guidance from the Food Standards Agency and supermarket advice outlines how potatoes can stay fresh for up to six months through proper storage methods, including refrigeration or keeping them in cool, dark, dry conditions. Removing plastic packaging, avoiding moisture, separating potatoes from ethylene-producing produce like onions, and optionally curing large, undamaged potatoes can help reduce sprouting and prolong shelf life.

A natural method for killing invasive garden ivy involves spraying a mixture of apple cider vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid onto affected areas for at least five days, after which the dead foliage can be removed with tools. Reapplication may be necessary until the ivy is eliminated, followed by physical removal of the roots to prevent regrowth. Drip Works highlights the solution as an effective alternative to chemical weedkillers, though protective clothing and proper application are recommended.

Alan Titchmarsh promotes an organic, low‑maintenance lawn care routine focused on weekly mowing, fortnightly edging and a June application of fish, blood and bone fertiliser to strengthen grass and limit weeds. He avoids chemical feeds and weed killers, noting increased wildlife activity as a result. Large weeds are removed manually with a daisy grubber, and he maintains lawn stripes using a rotary mower with a rear roller.

Guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society explains that young and container-grown lavender requires regular watering during its first summer to ensure strong root development and prevent wilting. Once established, lavender typically survives on rainfall alone, with over‑watering posing a greater risk due to potential root rot and fungal diseases such as Botrytis and Septoria leaf spot. Proper watering should be directed at the plant’s base, ideally in the morning, and soil should be allowed to dry between waterings to maintain plant health.

A gardening expert recommends using cardboard as an effective, chemical-free method to suppress weeds through sheet mulching. The technique involves laying plain brown cardboard over weeds, wetting it, and covering it with mulch to smother growth while enriching the soil. Gardeners report strong results using this method around hedges and borders, with minimal regrowth. Plain, non-glossy cardboard is advised, and additional compost or soil can be added for planting on top.

A baking expert explains how sourdough can be made easily by simplifying the process and reducing starter amounts to prevent over‑proofing in warm conditions. The recipe uses strong white bread flour, water, salt and a small amount of starter, with the dough shaped, chilled and baked from a cold oven. Once the basic method is mastered, home bakers are encouraged to experiment with flavour variations.

Experts recommend storing eggs in the main compartment of the refrigerator rather than the door to avoid temperature fluctuations that accelerate deterioration. Chef Dean Harper advises keeping eggs consistently cold and protected in their cartons to prevent odour absorption and light exposure. British Lion Eggs and Too Good To Go emphasise relying on smell and appearance rather than best-before dates to judge edibility, noting that watery whites typically indicate ageing but are not necessarily unsafe.

Gardeners are advised to remove rhubarb flower stalks as soon as they appear to prevent the plant from diverting nutrients away from edible stems. Flowering reduces yield by drawing energy toward seed production, though it does not make existing stems unsafe to eat. Maintaining mulch, keeping soil moist, and managing heat can help prevent bolting. Harvesting should stop by August to allow the plant to recover, and some stems should always be left to sustain growth. Drooping leaves in autumn indicate time to clear foliage in preparation for dormancy.

Greenhouse specialists recommend truss pruning in June to grow larger, more flavourful tomatoes by removing smaller fruits so the plant can direct more resources to the remaining ones. Indoor plants should be pruned after developing seven fruit trusses and outdoor plants after four. Experts suggest keeping four to six tomatoes per truss and regularly checking plants to maintain growth through summer.

High cholesterol risks can increase not only from high‑fat foods but also from sugary drinks, processed fruit juices, sugar‑free beverages with artificial sweeteners, and alcohol. The British Heart Foundation warns that fruit juice contains high levels of free sugars, while artificial sweeteners may not help long‑term reduction of sweetness dependence. Alcohol poses an even greater danger because it is converted into triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver, contributing to fatty liver disease and elevated cholesterol. Excessive sugar intake is also linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, highlighting the need for moderation and balanced dietary habits.

The Wheeldon Brothers recommend simple storage changes, such as keeping bread in its original packaging with added celery or allowing ventilation through small holes in bread bags, to reduce mould and extend shelf life by up to a week. They also suggest refrigerating bread in its bag within an airtight container to maintain moisture balance and prevent odours. The guidance aims to reduce the large volume of bread wasted daily in the UK through improved home storage practices.

Late check-in can increase the likelihood of luggage being loaded last and unloaded first, though weight distribution also influences placement. Some airlines sort bags into large containers while narrower aircraft load them individually, affecting when they come off the carousel. Marking baggage as fragile or travelling with only hand luggage can further reduce wait times. UK carriers vary in their cabin bag allowances, with British Airways offering the most generous options.

Proper potato storage extends freshness for months by keeping them in the fridge or a cool, dark, dry location below 10C. Removing plastic packaging, ensuring dryness, allowing air circulation, and storing potatoes away from ethylene-producing produce like onions slow sprouting. Experts recommend using breathable containers and, for long-term storage, curing undamaged potatoes for several weeks before placing them in a ventilated, cool area to preserve them for up to six months.

Longevity expert Dan Buettner links the diets of Blue Zone communities to simple vegetable preparation techniques that rely on salt, spices and olive oil. He emphasises enhancing beans with caramelised onions and avoiding processed seasoning blends in favour of fresh ingredients. Blue Zone diets focus on seasonal vegetables, pickling or drying surplus produce and prioritising nutrient-packed greens such as spinach, kale and beetroot. Beans are described as central to longevity, with global Blue Zone populations consuming significantly more than average and studies indicating daily intake reduces mortality risk.

Homeowners are turning to ground cinnamon as a natural way to repel ants, with pest experts explaining that its strong aroma disrupts the pheromone trails ants use to navigate. Applying a cinnamon and water mixture along entry points can deter ants without killing them, while maintaining clean kitchens and sealed gaps helps prevent infestations. The method is widely endorsed by members of a popular cleaning community and reinforced by professional pest control specialists.