Gardeners with tomato plants in the UK are being urged to use an electric toothbrush this July to boost pollination and ensure a successful harvest. The unconventional advice comes from gardening expert Emma Kendell, who explains that tomato flowers need a gentle vibration to transfer pollen from the male to the female parts. Without pollination, flowers fall off and no fruit develops.
Why Pollination Matters for Tomatoes
Each tomato flower contains both male and female parts. Pollination occurs when pollen moves from the male anther cone to the female stigma. Outdoors, wind and buzzing insects naturally provide this movement. However, in greenhouses or on kitchen windowsills, plants may lack these natural pollinators. According to Kendell, “If you’re raising your toms on a kitchen windowsill or in a greenhouse, your plants could probably do with a little pollinating help.”
High temperatures above 32°C during the day or 21°C at night—common in recent UK heatwaves—can further hinder pollination. The electric toothbrush mimics the vibration of insects or wind, shaking the pollen loose.
How to Use the Electric Toothbrush
Kendell recommends holding the back (non-bristly side) of the toothbrush head gently against the stem directly above each flower for a couple of seconds, when conditions are dry. “Tomato flowers only have a 50-hour window for pollination,” she says, “so to get full trusses across all your plants, you’ll need to do this every two days.”
This technique is especially useful during July, when tomato plants reach peak production and growth. Alongside regular watering, fertiliser, and pruning, the toothbrush method can help maintain yields despite challenging weather.
Additional July Gardening Tips
In addition to pollination, gardeners should watch for pests and diseases that thrive in hot weather. Consistent care—including proper watering and pruning—supports healthy fruit development. The electric toothbrush trick is a simple, low-cost way to improve pollination without relying on chemicals or expensive equipment.
