Why Vegetable Blossoms Drop: Pollination and Water Issues

Blossom drop in new gardens often stems from poor pollination or overwatering.

Pollination Solutions

• Hand-pollinate: Use a brush to transfer pollen male to female flowers (female has tiny fruit at base). Do within 1 day of opening.
• Shake tomatoes: Gently shake plants every few days to release pollen.
• Attract bees: Plant sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos nearby.

Water and Fertilizer Balance

• Water deeply 1-2 times/week (1.5 inches total), not daily shallow watering.
• Mulch heavily with straw to retain moisture.
• Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Key Insight

High nitrogen = lush leaves, few fruits. Phosphorus and potassium drive flowering and fruiting.