Tomatoes are one of the few garden plants that can self-pollinate. Most of the pollination of a tomato plant is complete within five days. Take a look at your blossoms. If they are closed, pollination is complete. If the blossoms are falling off the vine, this is a sign that the blossoms are not being pollinated. Regardless, here are a few tricks to help pollinate as many blossoms as possible.

All tomato blossoms are facing down. The male organ is at the bottom of the flower, and the female organ is at the top, near the yellow petals.

Pollination really relies on the wind but can also be done by hand.

As you are walking in your garden, take note of any new blossoms. When the blossoms are open, gently tap on the vines enough to make the leaves move. Some gardeners use a small stick or dowel to tap the vines. I like to shake the stalk of the tomato plant gently. These stalks are not delicate, so don’t be afraid to give them a good shake. When staking your tomato plants, it’s best to tie them loosely, which allows the plants to move in the wind, leading to more pollination.

Locally, the weather has been very warm and dry. You may begin to see more than usual amounts of blossoms dropping from the plant, which is the plant’s way of telling you it may be in distress. Make sure your tomatoes have enough water (remember to water the root, not the plant).

Happy gardening! #70