To Bee or not to Bee

As you've probably heard, bees are disappearing in what is called the 'Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_Collapse_Disorder. Amidst the broad implications of this major issue I'd like to address my very personal problem with CCD:

I have not seen a single bee taking notice of my brightly flowering tomato plants!

Now, why is that a problem? Although tomatoes are often classified as self pollinating that's only half the truth. Let's say, they are self pollinating if they get some help (hmm?). The reason for that is that the pollen is not - like in most other flowers - at the exterior of the anthers. It is produced internally and its release is triggered by motion - and that's exactly what the bees do by holding onto the flower and buzzing. Agreed, wind can induce pollen to fall through the pores but it's way less efficient. And as a windsurfer I know how painful waiting for the wind can be...

So there is only one option if I do want to enjoy my home-grown organic tomatoes: Be the bee!
Following a hint from an internet post (http://www.pollinator.com/self_pollinating_tomato.htm) I am using an electric toothbrush to tickle the flowers and release the pollen. I've read that it is recommended to do that around noon but my boss doesn't want to give me time off for tomato pollination although I promised to share the harvest.

As part of my daily routine I give my tomatoes a buzz in the mornings. Still, I hope I can employ some real bees in the future...

Melanie