Splitting Tomatoes
Wondering why your tomatoes are cracking and if there’s anything to do about it?
The short answer: it’s most likely due to irregular watering.
Tomatoes require consistent water. If the tomato gets too little water for even a short period of time, the plant will put energy into ripening the skin of the tomato. The skin thickens. Then if the plant gets a sudden increase in water (either from the gardener or a heavy rain), the inside of the fruit swells, but the thick skin can’t stretch. So it cracks.
Is there anything to prevent tomatoes from cracking?
Yes. Well, sort of. Maybe. Kind of. Here’s how:
Set tomatoes up for success by planting in raised beds or containers where the soil can drain properly. This helps keep the amount of moisture the tomatoes are getting more consistent.
Use drip irrigation or micro-sprayers if possible. Drip irrigation set on a timer is the most consistent (and efficient) way to water all plants, but especially tomatoes who won’t tolerate moisture fluctuations.
Grow varieties less prone to cracking! Some varieties that grow well in zone 9 that are less likely to split include; Early Girl, Celebrity, Big Boy, Sungold, and Yellow Pear.
But what about if it rains?
You can plant your tomatoes in raised beds, choose crack-resistant varieties, and use drip irrigation, but if you get a heavy rain or lots of rain over several days, unfortunately your tomatoes will most likely crack.
When I know a heavy rain is coming or a week of rain is predicted, I harvest as many of my cherry tomatoes and slicer tomatoes that have started changing color (if there’s a slight tint of color, those are coming inside). Tomatoes that are starting to ripen are the most at-risk of splitting.
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