The Birds & the Bees: Pollination in the Garden

/Home//Middle School - Plant Pollination & Reproduction/Pollination & Pollinators

The Birds & the Bees: Pollination in the Garden
Written by: Kimberly Taylor.
Published by: Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology (6/2007)
University of Florida

At some point in our lives, we all learn where little ones come from. But where do fruits and vegetables come from? If you're thinking about starting a fruit or vegetable garden, it helps to understand a little about the biology behind these tasty crops.

* It Starts With a Flower
* Methods of Pollinating
* Flowers But No Fruit
* Protect the Pollinators

It Starts With a Flower
The first step in fruit or vegetable production is when the plant produces flowers, which come in three basic varieties. Male flowers have male reproductive parts and produce pollen. Female flowers have ovaries that--once fertilized--become the fruit or vegetable.

The third type is what biologists call a "perfect" or "complete" flower, which has both male and female parts within a single flower. Most garden vegetables such as beans, peppers, and tomatoes have complete flowers.

In all cases, the male pollen must reach the female eggs in order for fruit to be produced. This transfer of pollen is called pollination and can happen in several different ways.

Please visit the web site to learn more.