POLLINATION AND CROSS POLLINATION

I was asked if planting hybrid seeds next to non-hybrid seeds would cause cross-
pollination, which would result in sterile seeds for next year's garden. The 
answer would have to a general "no," but that would depend upon the seed/plant 
species planted. Brassicas (the cabbage family), for example, do not produce 
seed the first year; nor do many of the garden crops we plant. Saving many 
plants for seed means over wintering them, so if only a few chosen non-hybrid 
specimens are saved for seed, no cross-pollination is possible. 

The curcubits are a real problem for seed savers. These annual vining plants 
make fruits which we call cucumbers, melons and squashes. Squashes will not 
cross-pollinate with cucumber or melons. Winter squashes (c. maxima -- 
buttercup, hubbard, banana) will cross-breed. Summer squashes (c. pepo -- 
zucchini, pumpkin, acorn and delicata) all readily cross with one another. 
Butternuts (c. moschata) are a separate group. Because curcubits will readily 
cross-breed, and all are bee pollinated, choices for seed savers becomes quite 
restricted, usually involving growing only one member of each group: buttercups 
or hubbards, but not both. Zucchini, acorn or pumpkin, but just one variety. The 
latter choice is relatively easy, because immature acorns have a similar texture 
and taste to zucchini.

If you plan on saving your own seed for a self-perpetuating garden, don't forget 
that the flowers/florets need to be pollinated in order to produce viable 
seed...and the best pollinators are honeybees. With the demise of the feral 
honeybees to tracheal mites and Varroa mites, reliable pollination now means you 
should keep a couple of hives of honeybees near your garden, if possible. The 
side benefit of producing your own honey is also extremely important in survival 
plans.

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