[HilaryG]

How can I make sure my tomato flowers set properly this year? I've got Ferline, Shirley and Marmande all in the GH at the moment and the Marmande are just starting to flower. Last year they didn't set well so just wondering if anyone has any tips. Thanks!
It's just starting to rain here....   maybe I'll be able to finish digging the leek/brassica beds soon

[DD.]

Tap the canes daily to give the flowers a shake. This will help release the pollen.

[HilaryG]

Thanks for that tip.....I'd better get some canes in then Does spraying them with water do anything?

[DD.]

Yes, it forms droplets on the leaves which can magnify the suns rays, leading to leaf scorch!

[SarahB]

Yes, it forms droplets on the leaves which can magnify the suns rays, leading to leaf scorch!

 

If you lightly mist the flowers only, it stops the pollen getting too dry; from what I remember, it needs to be slightly 'sticky' for ease of germination, though this will only be a problem if the tomatoes are in a hot dry atmosphere.  It has to be said there aren't many of those around at the moment, even in greenhouses...

[solway cropper]

It's a bit of a faff but if you've got the time you can hand pollinate with a cotton bud. Just touch it into each flower and you'll see that it picks up pollen which is then transferred. If you want to get really technical you can differentiate between the male and female flowers and pollinate accordingly.

[DD.]

Tomatoes have "perfect" flowers. Each contain male & female parts. There is no such thing as a male or female tomato flower.

[corndolly]

Gently shaking the cane  that supports the plant ,works for me too DD.When the atmosphere is hot and dry ,cool the  greenhouse by spraying water on the floor, this adds humidity which helps setting of fruits.

Noticed I have got some small tomatoes developing will start feeding weekly soon.