Give Mother Nature a hand pollinating tomato plants

  • Debra Smith
  • Wednesday, July 18, 2007 3:34pm
  • Local News

I just read this letter to the edtior about hand-pollinating tomatoes and I had to share it with you. If you’re having trouble getting squash, tomatoes, or cukes to set fruit, this method may help.

Fellow reporter Sarah Jackson, an accomplished gardener, says she gently taps her blossoms, and that works for her. If you have thoughts or comments on this topic, write me so I can share it with others: dsmith@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

A Sound Transit bus at it's new stop in the shadow of the newly opened Northgate Lightrail Station in Seattle. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Sound Transit may add overnight bus service between Everett, Seattle

The regional transit agency is seeking feedback on the proposed service changes, set to go into effect in fall 2026.

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mother sues Edmonds School District after her son’s fingertip was allegedly severed

The complaint alleges the boy’s special education teacher at Cedar Way Elementary closed the door on his finger in 2023.

Pedal-free electric bikes are considered motorcycles under Washington State law (Black Press Media file photo)
Stanwood Police: Pedal-free e-bikes are motorcycles

Unlike electric-assisted bikes, they need to be registered and operated by a properly endorsed driver.

The aftermath of a vandalism incident to the Irwin family's "skeleton army" display outside their Everett, Washington home. (Paul Irwin)
Despite vandalism spree, Everett light display owners vow to press on

Four attacks since September have taken a toll on Everett family’s Halloween and Christmas cheer.

Students, teachers, parents and first responders mill about during a pancake breakfast at Lowell Elementary School in 2023 in Everett. If approved, a proposed bond would pay for a complete replacement of Lowell Elementary as well as several other projects across the district. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett school board sends bond, levy measures to Feb. ballot

The $400 million bond would pay for a new school and building upgrades, while the levy would pay for locally funded expenses like extra-curriculars and athletics.

Edgewater Bridge construction workers talk as demolition continues on the bridge on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edgewater Bridge construction may impact parking on Everett street

As construction crews bring in large concrete beams necessary for construction, trucks could impact parking and slow traffic along Glenwood Avenue.

Customers walk in and out of Fred Meyer along Evergreen Way on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Closure of Fred Meyer leads Everett to consider solutions for vacant retail properties

One proposal would penalize landlords who don’t rent to new tenants after a store closes.

People leave notes on farmers market concept photos during an informational open house held at the Northwest Stream Center on Oct. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County presents plans for Food and Farming Center

The future center will reside in McCollum Park and provide instrumental resources for local farmers to process, package and sell products.

People walk through Explorer Middle School’s new gymnasium during an open house on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett middle school celebrates opening of new gym

The celebration came as the Mukilteo School District seeks the approval of another bond measure to finish rebuilding Explorer Middle School.

Daily Herald moves to new office near downtown Everett

The move came after the publication spent 12 years located in an office complex on 41st Street.

Women run free for health and wellness in Marysville

The second Women’s Freedom Run brought over 115 people together in support of mental and physical health.

Pop star Benson Boone comes home to Monroe High School

Boone, 23, proves you can take the star out of Monroe — but you can’t take Monroe out of the star.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.