Central European gardeners share summer care tips for yucca, peppers, tomatoes and strawberries

The yucca filamentosa, a plant native to the southeastern United States, is highlighted as a low‑maintenance, frost‑resistant ornamental that thrives in Czech gardens. It tolerates drought, requires well‑drained sunny soil and can survive temperatures down to –30 °C. Its white trumpet flowers are edible in Mexico and the southern US, but they are toxic to dogs and cats.

For pepper cultivation, experts advise against watering with cold water during hot weather. Water should be applied to the soil near the roots early in the morning, using lukewarm water that has stood to lose chill. Mulching with straw or compost helps keep the soil moist without becoming water‑logged, and adequate airflow in greenhouses prevents fungal diseases.

Tomato growers are encouraged to prune the lowest leaves in June. Removing the leaves that touch the ground improves airflow, speeds drying after rain, and reduces the risk of late blight. The removal should be limited to two or three leaves per plant, done on a dry sunny morning with clean scissors, while preserving healthy upper foliage.

A strawberry cake recipe is presented that coats the fruit with a thin layer of corn starch before baking. The starch absorbs excess juice, keeping the berries firm and preventing a soggy crumb. The cake combines a light lemon‑flavored batter with the coated strawberries and is finished with a simple lime syrup.