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The surprising origin of sprouts, the vegetable we either love or hate

14 December 2022

Sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and a dozen other vegetables are all the same species, Brassica oleracea. Now we have finally discovered their common ancestor

Treeconomics: How to put a fair price tag on urban forests

9 May 2018

We can now calculate the exact value of a tree, from shade to beauty. Doing so could be the best way to protect them – and plan the forests of the future

The world's tallest tree costs more than a private island

9 May 2018

We valued 7 of the world's most famous trees, from strangler figs draping ancient ruins to a 9000-year-old spruce. The most pricey comes in at £11 million

Growing skills: Top tips for producing the best veg in town

28 February 2018

Tomato suckers aren't all bad, Frankenstein squash probably won't take over and there are betters ways to protect your prized veg than planting companion species

Growing skills: A scientific guide to greener fingers

28 February 2018

From lining your pots with gravel to staking your trees, gardening tips are a dime a dozen. But which are gospel and which can safely be buried?

4 ways your eco-friendly plot is no good – and how to fix it

28 February 2018

Plants that are meant to give your garden an ecological boost can back-fire, but if you're savvy your plot can still be a haven for wildlife

Growing skills: How to get the prettiest flowers on the block

28 February 2018

Find out what the Chelsea chop is and whether it works, how to turn your hydrangeas blue and whether you should you tie up your daffodils for the best display next year

Dirty talk: How pollution is snuffing out plants' scent messages

14 February 2018

Plants use a fragrant language but filthy air is messing with their communication lines, which might explain why insects are in decline and roses are losing their scent