Rita that is a good idea!
I think this is why the Native peoples planted things like the Three Sisters or Four Sisters
when growing squash.
Three Sister packets are Squash, Beans and Corn.
The Four Sisters one has Sunflowers added.
Sometimes these biodiverse plantings work,
but your idea is great,-- for when biodiversity does not work for some reason.

CarolineScott said:Rita that is a good idea!
I think this is why the Native peoples planted things like the Three Sisters or Four Sisters
when growing squash.
Three Sister packets are Squash, Beans and Corn.
The Four Sisters one has Sunflowers added.
Sometimes these biodiverse plantings work,
but your idea is great,-- for when biodiversity does not work for some reason.

Yes, an excellent suggestion. I do have many plants to bring the pollinators in here in my garden.

I planted my squash late this year in the same row where I had my lettuces. So after reading this today I ran out to make sure I had some pollinators. After all it is August 2 already. Sure enough there were honey bees and bumble bees working the blooms, so I didn't need the Q-tips this time. Good idea Rita!

TBGDN said:I planted my squash late this year in the same row where I had my lettuces. So after reading this today I ran out to make sure I had some pollinators. After all it is August 2 already. Sure enough there were honey bees and bumble bees working the blooms, so I didn't need the Q-tips this time. Good idea Rita!

• Patty Pan Squash (Cucurbita pepo 'Early White Bush Scallop')
• Uploaded by TBGDN

I find lack of pollination more or a problem very early in the season. This time of year it never seems to be a problem. At least not in my garden.

I sometimes take off the flowers of the males and rub them on the female flowers ( the ones that have fruit attached).

Yes, that works too!