Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae) are out and about in Melbourne.  They are the white butterflies with the black spots on their wings. With all the sunny weather we've been having, it was only a matter of time.  

I know from experience that once I see these white butterflies around, my brassica crops quickly get eaten alive by hoards of green caterpillars, so I quickly inspected my cabbages (and yes, eggs had already been laid). After squishing all the eggs I could see, I set up one of our broccoli nets over them.

I always thought these butterflies were called cabbage moths, but apparently the cabbage moth (Plutella xylostella) is smaller, with a 1cm wing span and is a light grey colour, whereas the cabbage white butterfly is white and has a 4 cm wing span.  

Anyway, my cabbages are now protected, maybe it's time to protect yours!

For those of you who have been waiting, we are excited to say we expect new stock of our popular green triangle nets to arrive next week.

Catch us in person and avoid delivery charges by visiting our stall at the Gippsland Baw Baw Garden Expo and Home Show at Lardner Park on 11th and 12th October 2014.