Tickling Tomatoes

[markwcel]

wife has grown some Alicante tomatoes from seed and are now in the greenhouse with some flowers appearing....

question is ..do we need to tickle them like chilis or just leave them and hope nature takes it course

many thanks

[zazen999]

If they are in the greenhouse, are you letting insects in to pollenate them.

If yes, you should be ok.

If no, then tickle them.

Personally, I'd tickle them anyway, just to be on the safe side.

[markwcel]

thanks for that...she leaves the door open during the day so i suppose insects get in, but will tell her to tickle them anyways...give her something to do

[rustylady]

Always tap my tomato and pepper plants in the greenhouse (love the term tickling). Basically it releases the pollen from the flowers to set the fruit. A gentle tap or tickle works wonders - you don't need insects.

[Bassman]

what plants do you need to tickle?
Is this just so they will fruit or do you have to cross pollinate?
Confused :?

[syanide]

just as confused...i have three cordon tomatoes and three aubergines (all 6 of which i intend to keep in the conservatory).

I also have 2 courgette and two pumpkins. i know they need a helping hand, but I plan on putting them out to the lottie in the next week, but flower like buds are starting to appear...will i be ok to wait for the insects to do their job?

thanks

syanide