27
Tending Your Garden
Pollinating
The table below shows some common plant types and a
recommended method for hand pollination. For plants not
listed below, you may need to do some additional research to
find out the most effective method of pollinating. The internet
and seed suppliers are good sources of information.
Pollination Methods for Common Garden Plants
HELPFUL HINT: If you find your garden
is producing many flowers but no fruit,
then chances are you need to do some
pollinating or change your pollinating
method. Dead blossoms on the
Grow
Surface
are a good indicator that your
chosen pollination method is not working.
Pollination Method Plant Examples
How to Hand Pollinate
(After Flowers Appear)
Self-pollinating
Legumes (such as peas and beans) No hand pollination necessary
and English cucumbers
Shaking
Dwarf tomatoes and peppers
Shake plant gently every other day
when the lights are on.
Eggplant
Shake plant vigorously every other
day when the lights are on.
An
electric toothbrush works well
.
Move male pollen to
Pumpkin, squash, watermelon
Use paintbrush to move pollen
female flower
and common cucumbers
from male flower to female flower.
Pollinate when the lights are off.
Dwarf tomato plants
being pollinated by
gently shaking.
