How to Avoid Cross Pollination of Plants
Consider which types of plants will be likely to be affected and impact you the most., Cover the flower heads., Isolate the whole plant., Grow the plants from similar groups far apart from one another.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Consider which types of plants will be likely to be affected and impact you the most.
In the home garden, your greatest concern about cross-pollination is probably your edible plants, or principally, your vegetable garden.
Vegetables at great risk of cross-pollination include:
Brassicas Cucurbits Alliums Beets. -
Step 2: Cover the flower heads.
This technique (also known as "bagging") will need to be done before the flowers open so that bees and any other pollen transporting insects are preventing from getting to them.
For covering the flowers, try such items as:
Newspaper or cardboard perhaps with plastic for water protection Toilet rolls Tape Muslin or similar sachets or bags (these can be tied in place) Handkerchiefs Plastic beverage or food containers (cleaned). , You can cover the entire plant with a screen rigged up to cover just the relevant plant or plants.
Make it like a cage with something like muslin, light organza, wire mesh, etc., covering it; anything that will keep out the insects. , This will probably only be effective if you have a very large garden, as bees are able to travel right around the average garden with no problems. -
Step 3: Isolate the whole plant.
-
Step 4: Grow the plants from similar groups far apart from one another.
Detailed Guide
In the home garden, your greatest concern about cross-pollination is probably your edible plants, or principally, your vegetable garden.
Vegetables at great risk of cross-pollination include:
Brassicas Cucurbits Alliums Beets.
This technique (also known as "bagging") will need to be done before the flowers open so that bees and any other pollen transporting insects are preventing from getting to them.
For covering the flowers, try such items as:
Newspaper or cardboard perhaps with plastic for water protection Toilet rolls Tape Muslin or similar sachets or bags (these can be tied in place) Handkerchiefs Plastic beverage or food containers (cleaned). , You can cover the entire plant with a screen rigged up to cover just the relevant plant or plants.
Make it like a cage with something like muslin, light organza, wire mesh, etc., covering it; anything that will keep out the insects. , This will probably only be effective if you have a very large garden, as bees are able to travel right around the average garden with no problems.
About the Author
Doris Smith
Writer and educator with a focus on practical pet care knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: