Cabbage pest warnings and fresh produce buying tips for Czech gardeners

The cabbage white butterfly (bělásek) larva can quickly turn healthy cabbage, kale, broccoli and other brassicas into perforated leaves. Eggs are laid twice a season, from May‑June and July‑September, and larvae may appear from late spring to early autumn. Early signs are small holes on leaf undersides; if left unchecked, infestations can destroy an entire crop. Effective measures include covering beds with fine mesh, regularly inspecting leaf undersides, hand‑picking larvae, and applying biological controls promptly after hatching.

A separate guide advises shoppers how to select quality fruit and vegetables. Key indicators are firmness, natural aroma, skin condition and colour. Specific tips include pressing apples gently, avoiding overly glossy waxed skins, feeling for slight give in pears, checking for green‑yellow hues on peaches, and examining stems and spots on strawberries and tomatoes. The guide also recommends buying seasonal, locally‑grown produce when possible and avoiding items that are bruised, wilted or show signs of long storage.