Page 30 - Discover Winter 2023
P. 30
Weeder’s
Digest
By Bob Siren
For those of us who like to grow our own
food, the trials and tribulations from planting to
harvest are ever present. Planning, preparing,
and rotating crops are within our control, but
perhaps the most important consideration is the
presence of pollinators to assist in fertilization,
in order to create that food. I receive a lot of
queries about the presence of bees. Certainly
we have seen a decrease in pollinators: bees,
butterflies, and flies. This is due to multiple
factors, but that doesn’t mean that they are not
available. Instead of waiting and hoping for them
to show up, we can lure them. This is especially
necessary for crops that need cross pollination
for fruit set. Many plants need only the wind in
order to pollinate, such as corn and wheat, while
Remember, it never hurts to seek professional
advice. You can reach Bob Siren by email: others require direct contact by a pollinator.
GardenGab@wslk880.com
www.facebook.com/Garden-Gab-on-WSLK Plants are their own best salesmen.
Boldly-colored flowers are like banners that say,
“Come on over!” Pollinators search for the nectar
as their food source; as they collect this food,
they inadvertently pick up pollen. Pollen is that
yellowish dust that accumulates on our cars and
causes allergy-type symptoms. Pollen carries
the plant’s male sex cells from the anther, and is
transferred to the female sex cells in the stigma.
Thus, cross pollination occurs, producing seeds
or fruit.
To attract these pollinators and persuade
them to frequent your vegetables, give them a
28 Discover Smith Mountain Lake WINTER 2022
