Chumasande MatiwaneTomatoes are cherished for their vibrant colours and juicy flavours and are a practical addition to every vegetable garden. Many gardeners know the frustration of tomato plants laden with flowers but bearing no tomatoes. When nature’s pollinators fail to pollinate, intervention is necessary. Learn the art of hand-pollinating tomatoes using two effective methods to ensure a bountiful harvest.
What is hand pollination?
This is the manual transfer of pollen from the stamen of the flower to the pistil part of the plant. The main purpose of hand pollination is to assist in the reproductive process of the plant. Using this technique depends upon the plant’s sexuality as well as the reason for the process. Tomatoes are remarkable in the sense that they are naturally equipped for self-pollination.
But sometimes that self-pollination may not yield successful results. The simplest of the hand pollination techniques is simply to shake the plant. While wildlife and self-pollination may be wonderful, you still want to see your tomatoes bear fruit, so you take matters into your hands – literally. Sometimes unfavourable weather conditions can prevent pollination, and using hand-pollination can significantly enhance your tomato yields when conditions are less than ideal.
Hand-pollination techniques to try using
One of the main reasons for opting for hand pollination is to improve your production. Timing is crucial when it comes to hand-pollinating tomato flowers. You need to wait until flowers are fully open, aiming for a warm, sunny day with mild winds and low humidity. These are the techniques you can use:
1. The toothbrush method
An effective way to hand-pollinate tomatoes is by using an electric toothbrush. Turn your toothbrush on and gently place the back of the toothbrush against the back of the flower, avoiding direct contact with the bristles. You must not insert the toothbrush into the blossom itself, as this will damage the flower. Instead, you’re aiming to release pollen from the flower by shaking it.
2. Shake method
Another method you could use is the shake method. Simple and commonly used. Just give the tomato plant a gentle shake from the top. This enables the flowers to release pollen, which then fertilises the female parts of the flowers. The movement will dislodge the pollen, and gravity will do its job, and the pollen grains will fall on the stigma of the plant.
Image Credit: Pexels
There are, of course, different methods that may work for you and your garden. Trial and error are at play when dealing with hand-pollination. So, whether you’re growing tomatoes in an enclosed environment, facing unfavourable weather conditions or simply want to boost your yield, these hand-pollination methods can help ensure your tomato plants flourish.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR GROWING TOMATOES
Feature Image: Unsplash
