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May 14, 2016 12:14 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Thomas
Deep East Texas (Zone 8a)
Bee Lover Vegetable Grower Tomato Heads Region: Texas Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Greenhouse
Farmer Butterflies Birds Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Garden Ideas: Level 2
Hey to all,

I am planning to build a small greenhouse this year to grow vegetables year round. I am wondering how important it is to keep the doors and windows open as much as possible to allow the Honey Bees inside to pollinate the plants???

Thanks in advance for any thoughts,
Avatar for Coppice
May 14, 2016 2:49 PM CST
Name: Tom Cagle
SE-OH (Zone 6a)
Old, fat, and gardening in OH
Bees fly over (not into) buildings in my experience. Oh the occasional explorer might, but enough to pollinate, no.

If you want them pollinated I fear you will be using a paint brush, or setting your plants out of doors.
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May 14, 2016 3:28 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
It really depends upon what you're planning to grow in the way of vegetables, Thomas. Some will pollinate themselves with just air movement.

When the weather's cold enough that your plants wouldn't grow and bloom outside, it's a good bet there aren't going to be many honey bees out foraging, either.

Much more important in winter to keep the temperature of your greenhouse up, so that your plants keep growing and blooming.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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May 14, 2016 3:58 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Thomas
Deep East Texas (Zone 8a)
Bee Lover Vegetable Grower Tomato Heads Region: Texas Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Greenhouse
Farmer Butterflies Birds Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Garden Ideas: Level 2
Coppice said:Bees fly over (not into) buildings in my experience. Oh the occasional explorer might, but enough to pollinate, no.

If you want them pollinated I fear you will be using a paint brush, or setting your plants out of doors.


Years ago a neighbor had a small greenhouse with four roof vents (windows) and he left them and the door open all summer. He had several hanging baskets with flowers in them and during the day the greenhouse would be full of honey bees. I never thought to ask him if he had the flowers to attract the Bees.

Thank you,
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May 14, 2016 3:59 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Thomas
Deep East Texas (Zone 8a)
Bee Lover Vegetable Grower Tomato Heads Region: Texas Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Greenhouse
Farmer Butterflies Birds Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Garden Ideas: Level 2
dyzzypyxxy said:It really depends upon what you're planning to grow in the way of vegetables, Thomas. Some will pollinate themselves with just air movement.

When the weather's cold enough that your plants wouldn't grow and bloom outside, it's a good bet there aren't going to be many honey bees out foraging, either.

Much more important in winter to keep the temperature of your greenhouse up, so that your plants keep growing and blooming.


I have over 220 days of growing season and normally mild winters. I do plan to have my greenhouse heated to maintain a good temperature throughout the cold weather.

Thanks,
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