From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Oak Grove, Mn

Per the posts below, I have decided next summer to protect my pollinations from unknown crosses. I am trying to think of something that is easily obtained that can be used to cover the blossom. I know it is possible to order pollination sleeves online but there is a much better chance of other growers of adopting the higher standard if something could be obtained locally. Any ideas?

2/12/2017 10:49:54 AM

Lafayette La

Go to a fabric store and buy tulle. It's cheap and you can use a stapler to make a baggy to cover the blossom.

2/12/2017 11:40:15 AM

Lafayette La

I've also used 1 gallon paint strainers from the local paint store.

2/12/2017 11:41:08 AM

Valencia Spain

Fleece tied with a clothes peg

2/12/2017 12:36:21 PM

Valencia Spain

Fleece tied with a clothes peg

2/12/2017 12:36:40 PM

Central NY

Clear plastic grocery bag...tie that sucker tight

2/12/2017 12:43:16 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

i wont have to worry about cross-pollination if i kill the blossom with humidity. So far i like the paint strainer idea best. I have to wonder how many micron filtration I need to avoid wind cross pollination. Some of you may think this is silly...but if a cross is made...knowing if the line was crossed with pure lines or with potential cross polinated lines makes a big difference with how to approach the f-2 generation. If you like varieties...then have to go to the next level. Otherwise we will have only variety...the Big Mud...or as wixom calls it the Big Mutt....your choice

2/13/2017 5:28:35 PM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

bnot, would you possible injury the blossom while putting anything over or on it. I know I would end up breaking them off putting it on and taking it off.

2/13/2017 8:22:00 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I don't see a problem bill...after indoor grow..it seems that the blossoms actually are quite tough. I have three plants just started...when they get to blooming stage, i will try to simulate outdoor controlled pollination. I have about 3 weeks to choose the sleeve. Indoors, it really is not needed...but for experience for next summer i will try to bag pollinate them.

2/13/2017 8:28:00 PM

A fellow on youtube gave a link to the paint strainers that he uses for peppers and they are around 120

5 Gallon Elastic Opening Strainer Bags Durable Nylon Mesh with Elastic Opening. 24 for 26.96

2/13/2017 8:36:53 PM

sorry about that

2/13/2017 8:37:20 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

thinking they were talking about a lot smaller mesh bags/paint strainers.don't want to cover the whole plant, just a blossom!! LOL Peace, Wayne

2/14/2017 12:27:03 AM

Georgetown, Ontario

Party supply store or dollar store - find the little mesh bags that you put wedding favours in. They are the perfect size and have a drawstring to help keep it in place.

2/14/2017 7:35:30 AM

Oak Grove, Mn

Thank you john...i think i will go shopping at a party store this weekend. It only seems proper for a tomato plant to have a little wedding sachet before making a baby. You should win a prize for best suggestion. Oops...i already owe seeds...give me time..i have to come up with something for someone that has the best already.

2/14/2017 7:19:19 PM

Albuquerque NM

what about cheese cloth, cut to size with a twist tie.

2/14/2017 10:08:40 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Been around cheese cloth for a while...gramma used it to strain seeds out of blackberry mush to get the seeds out,b.4 making b/berry jam...she used several layers to just get the seeds out...sorta thinkin that pollen is a tad smaller than blackberry seeds? Has cheese cloth changed, or how many layers do you need to keep pollen out? Peace, Wayne

2/15/2017 12:01:13 AM

Hamilton Nj

wat about the stuff they use for covering corn stalks

2/15/2017 12:37:37 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

why would you cover a corn stalk? Peace, Wayne

2/16/2017 9:38:12 PM

50 Acres

They are used in controlled pollination at experimental farm plots.

2/16/2017 10:04:04 PM