Hand-pollination of tomatillos is a rewarding gardening hack that helps overcome their natural limitation of being unable to self-pollinate. From personal experience, I found that using a small, soft paintbrush is an incredibly effective way to transfer pollen between flowers, mimicking the work that bees do naturally. This method is especially useful in urban gardens or during seasons when pollinator activity is low. To start, gently brush the pollen-coated stamens of one flower and then transfer it to the stigma of another flower on a different tomatillo plant nearby. It’s important to cross-pollinate between different plants because tomatillos require pollen from another plant to set fruit successfully. You can tell when the pollen is present on the brush by the fine white powder you see. I recommend carrying out this process on a calm, dry day to prevent pollen from being washed away or blown off. Pollinate in the morning when flowers are fully open, which increases the chances of successful fertilization. After a few days, you’ll notice the fruit beginning to swell within the husk, signaling successful pollination. This simple yet effective hand-pollination technique not only supports plant productivity but also connects you more deeply with your garden. It can turn a small patch of plants into a productive crop bursting with vibrant tomatillos ready for salsa verde and other dishes. Plus, it’s a fun way to mimic nature’s pollinators and learn about plant reproduction firsthand.