You have to get there before the insects, handpollinate and cover them with some net that insecs cannot get in. This is just for one day. They you have to tag it and let it mature for seeds. You can also purposedly cross pollinate the same way.

Using bags *might* make it possible for bugs to crawl in around the stem. It would make an attractive destination for our good friend, the earwig. You could use a ziploc sandwich bag by removing the excess material above the zipper, and cutting a gap in the zipper just large enough to accommodate the squash's flower stem. This would allow the zipper to seal tightly right along the stem, instead of leaving a gap.

Here's a cool thread for you:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/gourds/msg0611545713356.html

tcstoehr,

Thanks for the link to the thread. It was very helpful. I'll give the tape a shot.

Just in case, here's the link so you can click on it.

Wide masking tape will work MUCH better than bags.

I've been busily hand pollinating lately. I'm growing both Warsaw Buff Pie Pie Pumpkin, Warsaw (round selection) and Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin from Rodger Winn of NC. I'll have to post some photos. Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin is VERY vigorous and very healthy. They're just now starting to set on fruit and it looks like it will be a bumper crop.

George
Tahlequah, OK

Here is a link that might be useful: Hand pollination of Squash

I just wanted to comment about cucumber beetles. Through years of growing gourds, squash, and pumpkins I have battled the dreaded cucumber beetle. They eat every part of these plants. Especially the pollen of these plants. Get rid of them if you can!!! Good luck.

Gourdglutton

I try to keep the cucumber beetles under control, though I'd prefer to avoid spraying chemicals. So far between Neem oil, and red dye from dental disclosing tablets mixed with clove oil, and hand picking them from the squash blossoms, I've avoided major infestation.
Exactly what would be a population of cucumber beetles to be concerned about?

I do not have a magic potion to get rid of the Cucumber Beetle. I wish I did have a great way to get rid of these awful pests. I usually pick them off the flowers and leaves and place them in used pill bottles and then throw them in the garbage. Like I posted before they are a real menace to growers of squash, gourds, and any species related to cucumbers. If anyone else knows of good ways to get rid of them please let us know.

Thanks,

Gourdglutton