Hand-Pollinating Squash for Better Harvests

When zucchini or other squash fruits shrivel at the blossom end while the stem end keeps growing, poor pollination is almost always the culprit. With wild honeybee populations declining, gardeners often need to step in as matchmakers.

How to Hand-Pollinate

1. Identify male flowers (straight stems) and female flowers (tiny fruit at base).
2. Clip a male flower, remove its petals to expose the pollen-covered stamen.
3. Gently rub the stamen onto the central pistil of several female flowers.
4. Repeat each morning while flowers are open.

Within a week, you should see plump, well-formed fruits. A romantic tune while you work is optional but encouraged!

Poorly pollinated squash

Poorly pollinated cucumber

Poorly pollinated cucumber