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bcday · February 22, 2006

I found that it was easiest to just bag the blossoms for saved seed. Then I can plant as close as I want and not worry so much when I see bee activity.

The bags are not all that expensive online or from WalMart if you are only bagging a few blossoms. You do need fine-mesh tulle bags because some of the smallest pollinating bees can fit through the mesh in cheesecloth or nylon netting. You can also use a piece of row cover secured with a twistie.

I have flowers planted in several places around the yard and still see bees working the tomato blossoms, so I don't think planting flowers in a separate area will help.

February 22, 2006	#5
bcday Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NY z5 Posts: 1,205	I found that it was easiest to just bag the blossoms for saved seed. Then I can plant as close as I want and not worry so much when I see bee activity. The bags are not all that expensive online or from WalMart if you are only bagging a few blossoms. You do need fine-mesh tulle bags because some of the smallest pollinating bees can fit through the mesh in cheesecloth or nylon netting. You can also use a piece of row cover secured with a twistie. I have flowers planted in several places around the yard and still see bees working the tomato blossoms, so I don't think planting flowers in a separate area will help.