Market Farming

[Road's End Farm <organic87 AT frontiernet.net>]

On Feb 8, 2011, at 8:56 AM, Vern and Amy wrote:

> I knew tomatoes were self-pollinating, but I had struggled with the  
> statement that they won't outcross. My friend buys bees to pollinate  
> his greenhouse tomatoes, and that indicated to me that they do  
> outcross.

Someone more an expert on this than I am might correct me; but I think  
it depends on the variety. Some varieties, but not all, usually self- 
pollinate within the flower before it opens.

There are, I think, some self pollinating plants that nevertheless  
need insects around, because the pollen won't transfer within the  
flower unless the flower is disturbed -- for instance, by insects  
walking on it.

-- Rivka; Finger Lakes NY, Zone 5 mostly
Fresh-market organic produce, small scale