When your tomato plants start flowering, they’re preparing to produce fruit — but only if pollination happens. While tomatoes are self-pollinating (each flower has both male and female parts), a little outside help can dramatically improve your yield.
Why Pollination Sometimes Needs Help
- Lack of wind or insects indoors can prevent natural pollen movement
- Humidity or excessive heat can cause sticky pollen that won’t transfer easily
- Limited airflow in greenhouses or dense gardens reduces natural shake
No pollination = no tomatoes. The good news? You can step in and make it happen.
Easy Ways to Help Pollinate Tomatoes
- Gently shake the plant: Mimics the movement from wind or bees. A few seconds every other day during peak bloom is enough.
- Use a soft paintbrush or cotton swab: Gently brush the inside of each flower to transfer pollen between blooms.
- Electric toothbrush trick: Hold a buzzing toothbrush near the base of a flower cluster — the vibration releases pollen.
Do this in the late morning when flowers are most receptive, and repeat every couple of days while new flowers keep opening.
Powered by AiFarming: Don’t miss a bloom — AiFarming tracks your plant’s flowering timeline and sends timely nudges to help with pollination. Whether you’re growing indoors, in a tunnel, or on a balcony, we make sure every flower counts.
