[jenw]

I have just got a poly tunnel & have put in tomatoes that are shooting up & have a few flowers on. I remember being told when I was a kid the bees needed to get at the flowers to get toms, is this true coz there is fine mesh at the vents and I will need to make a net door over the opening to stop various pigeons cats getting in during the day. Advice please?

[GrannieAnnie]

I've grown tomatoes in my greenhouses and polytunnel for years successfully, but then the doors are usually open unless its very windy.  I have no mesh vents or anything like that.

[mumofstig]

Tomatoes don't actually need pollinating by insects. If you tap the support canes every day this should release the pollen in the flower so it can self pollinate.

[shokkyy]

I've got all sorts planted in my tunnel, some of which do need germinating. Because of that and because of the need to keep the temps down and provide decent ventilation, I do leave the door open all day and nighttime too unless it's a bit chilly. I have plenty of wildlife in my garden, plus a dog that's a complete hooligan, so I've barred the entrance with a spare bit of chain link fencing, threaded onto some canes. It allows insects in but not dogs or rabbits.

[jenw]

Thanks for advice, think I'll make a net door and tap the canes too!

[DoubleDigger]

My first paid employment, at 14, was working under Glass on Tomatoes around Easter.  My job was to walk up & down the rows, with a piece of 'kit' which looked like a torch with a small 'wand' protruding out with a flat end.  When it was turned on it vibrated - for want of a better description.  The flat end was applied to the flower truss 'stem' & nature took it's course, in scattering pollen.  

I do believe there are specialist Shops these days where such implements can be sourced, but I don't think they are marketed for pollinating Tomatoes.

The innocence of youth in the early 1970's !

I use a 'soft' paint brush now for the first trusses indoors, but later trusses seem to pollinate well, although we have few insects in the Conservatory.  Air disturbance seems to be enough.   

Having just had a look on the 'Web', people are using 'electric toothbrushes' as vibrating wands.....presumably to spare their blushes when the neighbours pop round