Discussion forum for the various methods and structures used for getting an early start on your growing season, extending it for several weeks or even year 'round.
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June 4, 2014
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#1 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
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Sex Toys as Pollinating Devices
My girlfriend left a few things at my house. I decided to put them to good use.
My high tunnel tomatoes are growing well: http://i.imgur.com/2pjrOaN.jpg But I am not happy with the fruit set. I made two pollinators. The first is a basically a vibrator on a stick: http://i.imgur.com/kD0SXU8.jpg The stick is the handle of a basting brush that came with a set of grill utensils. The brush is rubber and can be removed from the metal handle. I taped the vibrator to the rubber mount so the handle can be easily removed. Having the handle makes it go a lot faster. http://i.imgur.com/sRKsrNf.jpg The other pollinator is a sex toy called a "micro bullet." They are about $10 on amazon. The one I have is the double bullet: http://i.imgur.com/rIRofVN.jpg If using a vibrating pollinator is supposed to mimic the vibrations of a bumble bee, then this thing is like a bee on a wire. I can't imagine anything resembling a real bee any more closely. The bullet is more fun to use, but it is slower than the stick vibe. It was covered in pollen immediately upon using: http://i.imgur.com/JEGXx9o.jpg I can see the pollen fly when it touches a flower. I realize electric toothbrushes are the norm to use as pollinators, but they are expensive and have tiny batteries. I think sex toys are more powerful, much more diverse, and a more cost-effective use of battery life. |
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June 4, 2014
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#2 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 1,413
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I assume when you say your girlfriend left these at your house, that means she is not coming back?
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June 4, 2014
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#3 | |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 1,413
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Quote:
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June 4, 2014
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#4 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
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We got in a fight about a year ago and she moved out, but we didn't break up. I usually go over to her house anyway. She was a little mad about the bullet toy, but I told her it was a business decision - using it as a pollinator would make enough tomatoes to buy another one several times over.
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June 5, 2014
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#5 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Hampstead,NC
Posts: 64
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This has me cracking up! Do you think this will work with other veges... Okra, cukes?
Thanks |
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June 5, 2014
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#6 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Hampstead,NC
Posts: 64
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This has me cracking up! Do you think this will work with other veges... Okra, cukes?
Thanks |
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June 5, 2014
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#7 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
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I don't see why not. I really like the mount on the stick vibe, where I can pull out the stick out and put the vibe in my pocket in case anyone shows up unexpectedly at the greenhouse, thereby preventing an awkward conversation.
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June 5, 2014
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#8 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: N.C.
Posts: 1,827
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O...M...G!!! Too funny!!
I'd love to see some peoples faces when reading this!! lol Whatever works!! Greg |
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June 5, 2014
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#9 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Plantation, Florida zone 10
Posts: 9,283
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OK, now I really have seen everything! I just showed this thread to my husband, and he said, " now I know why you spend so much time on this website". You never know what will come next LOL!
Marsha |
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June 6, 2014
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#10 | |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Den of Drunken Fools
Posts: 38,539
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Quote:
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June 6, 2014
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#11 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Cache Valley, N/E of The Great Salt Lake
Posts: 1,244
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They've worked very well for me... I prefer the "mini", "micro", or "pocket" versions because they fit better in my pocket with the other garden related tools I always carry: flashlight, pocket-knife, magnifying glass, 9/16" wrench, camera, etc... And the smaller versions are more discrete.
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June 6, 2014
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#12 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Wasilla Alaska
Posts: 2,010
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Cole, I dare you to make a youtube of you pollinating your tomatoes, it would probably go viral. lol
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June 6, 2014
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#13 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
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Mark, I'd end up on Tosh.o, "We flew vibrator tomato guy to Hollywood for this week's web redemption."
My girlfriend used to live in Alabama, where sex toys are illegal: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Ob...nforcement_Act So I should add the disclaimer that if you live in the state of Alabama and attempt to pollinate your tomatoes this way, you could end up violating state obscenity laws. I'm already starting to see a lot more tiny green tomatoes instead of dropped blossoms, so I think it's working. I haven't told anyone yet in person, just tomatoville. You people are the only ones who would understand. |
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June 6, 2014
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#14 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2014
Location: London
Posts: 6
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This was so funny to read. You have my thanks for the nice laugh
 Anyway, seems like a good idea, especially when it's doing the right job. I am thinking to try it as well, just want to see the looks on my neighbours' faces. 
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June 7, 2014
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#15 |
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Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Posts: 3,149
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I can't believe it! Only at T'ville could this happen. You didn't tell anyone, but only took pictures and posted it on a public forum. LOL,LOL,LOL......
And we were all laughing about using toothbrushes... Patti
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~ Patti ~ |
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