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Greenhouse pollination

zakthecatzakthecat Posts: 46
in Fruit & veg
Some of the tomatoes and peppers in my little greenhouse are starting to produce flowers
and I'd like to know the best way of pollinating them. I've heard that a gentle shake will do the trick, or going round tickling each flower with a finger (which somehow seems slightly invasive).

My wife thinks I'm starting to become mildly obsessive, especially since she doesn't like raw tomatoes (what's that all about?), but I guess lockdown is starting to have that effect.

Thank you and stay safe

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I just leave the doors open on warm days and let insects do their stuff.
    If you want to help them on, one way is to use the handle of an electronic toothbrush against the stem.

    Once your Mrs tastes your home grown produce I'm sure she'll change her mind :)


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I also just leave doors open. Mind you, in my house, I'm the one who doesn't like raw tomatoes - I'm just growing them for my husband and for cooking!
  • zakthecatzakthecat Posts: 46
    I can't understand anyone not liking tomatoes, a good tomato is one of the most delicious things in the world. Mind you, I think peanut butter is an abomination so each to their own (however, I am right).
  • HeliosHelios Posts: 232
    edited May 2020
    I’ve never tried helping them to pollinate in the greenhouse either, I just let them get on with it. Crunchy peanut butter is ok but a true abomination is Cheddar flavoured with marmite😖
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Every year I go around all my greenhouse tomatoes every other day with a childs paint brush. This ensures pollination and doesn't leave things to chance.😁
  • zakthecatzakthecat Posts: 46
    Thank you all for your help and advice. Helios, never tried cheddar flavoured with Marmite,  but I have been known to enjoy a cheese and Marmite sandwich.
  • cornellycornelly Posts: 970
    Never pollinated tomatoes and always had good crops,  there are plenty of bees around to do the job for us.
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    if you're worried about it give the posts of strings a good shake each day, but unless you have a very tight greenhouse and never open the door there will be enough of a breeze to do it for you.
  • zakthecatzakthecat Posts: 46
    Again, thanks to everyone for their friendly help and advice. I think the main thing I'm learning is to stop fussing so much!
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