Gardening enthusiasts often seek ways to enhance their homegrown produce, and one mother from Brighton has recently shared an innovative technique for growing garlic using just a single clove. Olivia Lathwell, an avid gardener, demonstrated her method on TikTok, capturing the interest of her followers with a simple yet effective approach.

In her viral video, which has garnered over 142,000 views and more than 5,800 likes, Lathwell showcased how to cultivate garlic at home. She explained that the process begins by placing garlic cloves in a bowl with their pointed ends facing upward and adding a small amount of water. “Did you know how easy it is to grow your own garlic? Well, I’m going to show you,” she stated enthusiastically.

Lathwell emphasized the transformation that occurs within just a week of this method. “This is going to be your result in a week,” she noted, displaying a bowl of sprouted garlic. She advised viewers that once roots emerge and shoots appear, it is the perfect time for planting. The mother expressed her amazement at the process, saying, “It amazes me that each clove turns into one garlic bulb.”

Garlic is not only a popular culinary ingredient but also offers potential health benefits. The compound allicin, found within garlic, is known for its antioxidant properties and may assist in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Lathwell shared that the entire cycle from clove to bulb takes approximately nine to ten months, but she assured viewers that the wait is worthwhile. “If you keep up with this cycle, you will have free garlic for life,” she said. In addition, she mentioned that she grows garlic indoors year-round, providing a sustainable source of this essential kitchen staple.

The TikTok community has responded positively to Lathwell’s hack, with many users sharing their own experiences and tips. Comments ranged from suggestions to remove the skins from garlic cloves to accelerate sprouting, to personal anecdotes about harvesting green stalks from garlic for cooking. One user remarked, “It doesn’t even take a week. It’s insanely easy to grow.”

Lathwell’s practical yet engaging approach to gardening has resonated with many, illustrating how simple techniques can lead to significant savings and fresh produce at home. As more people look to enhance their diets with homegrown ingredients, her method stands out as an accessible option for anyone interested in gardening.

PayPal has announced the creation of 100 new jobs in Dublin as part of its ongoing expansion efforts in Ireland. This initiative aims to establish a new artificial intelligence and fraud data science centre at the Dublin office, marking a significant evolution for the site, which has operated since 2003. The expansion underscores PayPal’s commitment to enhancing its global network within the fintech sector.

The Dublin office is transitioning from its initial role as a customer service hub into a vital centre for innovation in the digital economy. Aaron J. Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer at PayPal, stated, “As we shape the next generation of digital payments, the talent and innovation coming from Ireland will play a critical role.” He emphasized that the expansion reflects PayPal’s confidence in the local ecosystem and its ambition to create an AI-driven, data-powered future that emphasizes trust and safety in transactions.

The new positions will encompass various disciplines, including AI engineering, data science, software development, risk modelling, and cybersecurity. These roles are designed to support strategic priorities such as loss prevention and the enhancement of customer experiences. This focus on innovation aligns with PayPal’s global mission to redefine the capabilities of digital payments.

The initiative has garnered support from the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the country’s investment promotion and development agency. Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for PayPal’s decision, calling it “a testament to Ireland’s enduring appeal as a location for high-value investments.” He added, “We are proud to support this growth and look forward to the continued success of PayPal in Ireland.”

This expansion not only reinforces PayPal’s presence in Dublin but also highlights the growing importance of Ireland as a hub for technological innovation. The company aims to leverage its extensive platform and data capabilities to tackle complex challenges in commerce, particularly in the fields of fraud detection and payment security.

As PayPal continues to invest in highly-skilled roles, the Dublin office is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital payments on a global scale. The expansion marks a significant milestone both for PayPal and the Irish economy, reflecting a commitment to harnessing local talent to drive innovation in the fintech industry.

Supermarket lorries in Northern Ireland were raided earlier this month, resulting in the seizure of custard due to newly enforced European Union regulations. The raids have drawn sharp criticism from local politicians and industry leaders, who argue that such actions have created food shortages in some stores across the region.

Sammy Wilson, a Member of Parliament representing the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), highlighted the issue during a parliamentary debate. He stated that a major supermarket’s supply chain was disrupted as EU officials mandated that all custard transported to Northern Ireland bear labels indicating that the product was “not for sale in the EU.” These labeling requirements were initially scheduled for implementation on a later date, yet the sudden enforcement led to significant delays.

According to Wilson, mixed-load lorries were subjected to thorough checks, resulting in disruptions that prevented timely deliveries to supermarkets. He expressed his frustration, stating, “The offending custard was hunted down, discovered, and exposed.” This enforcement action delayed the lorries’ arrival at distribution depots, ultimately affecting the availability of goods in shops.

The European Commission responded to the situation by clarifying that the responsibility for executing the Windsor Framework provisions resides with the UK authorities. The Commission emphasized that all checks are conducted by UK officials and that there is no official ban on custard in Northern Ireland, as evidenced by the products available on supermarket shelves.

Critics, including Wilson, have condemned the EU’s approach, labeling it as “barmy” and indicative of the complex trade arrangements that have emerged post-Brexit. Wilson remarked on the absurdity of the situation, stating, “It is ludicrous.”

A spokesperson for the UK government reiterated that claims of EU raids are misleading, maintaining that all enforcement actions are managed by British officials. The spokesperson underscored that the availability of custard in Northern Ireland remains unaffected, despite the recent disturbances.

This incident raises broader questions about the implications of Brexit on trade and food supply chains, particularly in regions like Northern Ireland, where regulatory frameworks are still being established. As discussions continue, grocery retailers and consumers alike are left to navigate the evolving landscape of post-Brexit trade regulations.

The UK government has announced plans to implement tax cuts for pubs, clubs, and shops as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the hospitality sector. Business Secretary Jonny Reynolds revealed these intentions during an interview with The Sun on Sunday, emphasizing the need to make Britain “fun” again. The measures are expected to be outlined in the upcoming Budget, scheduled for November.

Reynolds acknowledged the financial strain that businesses have faced due to the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs), admitting, “there is a cost – you can’t deny that.” He confirmed that the government aims to introduce “permanent” reductions in business rates specifically targeting high street firms. “We would want to reduce the burden on businesses wherever we can, because we want them investing in people—new jobs, solid wages,” he stated.

Permanent cuts to the business rates are part of a broader strategy to reform the tax system for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. Reynolds described the current tax burden as disproportionate and expressed hope that these changes will be implemented in the Autumn Budget.

In addition to tax cuts, Reynolds outlined a significant overhaul of planning regulations aimed at reducing red tape for entertainment venues. Under the new proposals, pubs, cafes, and music venues will be allowed to operate in previously closed shops. The initiative includes the establishment of new “hospitality zones” that would facilitate extended hours for venues, outdoor dining, and community events such as street parties.

This move is aimed at encouraging more vibrant city centres, with Reynolds stating, “We want to take the burden off the kind of things businesses can do to grow and employ more people. We want more enjoyment and more fun in town centres.” He also addressed concerns about local opposition to nightlife, indicating that complaints related to noise should not hinder the operation of beloved venues.

Reynolds criticized calls from some Labour MPs for a wealth tax, arguing that such proposals could deter investors from the UK. He described these demands as “not a serious take,” cautioning that the perception of an impending tax not seen elsewhere in the world could negatively impact the country’s investment landscape.

The hospitality industry has welcomed the proposed tax cuts and regulatory changes but remains concerned about high operational costs. Kate Nicholls, chair of UK Hospitality, remarked, “Positive and encouraging as these measures certainly are, they can’t on their own offset the immediate and mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs.”

As the November Budget approaches, stakeholders in the hospitality sector hope these measures will mark the beginning of a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the high streets and supporting local businesses.