Match the flower to how it is pollinated

Some flowers pay insects. Some dump pollen to the wind. Some set with their own pollen if the flower is not blocked. Cucurbits often need male and female flowers plus a visitor. Maize needs air through the tassels.

If fruit set fails in a still, screened house, the flower may never have been visited. If a wind crop sits behind a solid wall, pollen may never arrive.

If flowers abort with healthy leaves, pollination and heat are as likely as a missing bag.

In this series

• Wilt is lost cell firmness — judge water by the plant, not only the soil
• Protect green leaf area; leaves feed fruit, seed, and roots
• Do not wreck young feeder roots at transplant
• Removing the tip releases side shoots
• Match the flower to how it is pollinated
• Families are field shortcuts; lookalikes can still be dangerous