
Nothing irks me more than watching the fruits of my labor literally spoiling before my eyes. An example is tomato plants. Preventing cracking tomatoes from growing can be challenging. This can be caused by the grower when watering too heavily after a long period of not watering. It can also be caused naturally when there is a period of dry weather followed by a period of heavy or above average rainfall. Splitting and cracking usually occurs in the later stages of fruit development, just when the fruit starts to ripen. Once the fruit splits, it’s often no good to eat because it attracts pests and may even spread disease.
Mindful Gardening™ tips for Preventing Cracking Tomatoes
Watering
The best way to prevent tomatoes from splitting or cracking is to practice a watering method and schedule. It’s best to water tomato plants deeply on a regular basis that to provide only sporadic, light watering. That being said, be careful not to overwater tomato plants. They like a moist but well-drained soil. Consistently wet or soggy soil will most likely cause other diseases. Adjust the amount of watering you do to the amount of rainfall received. A good natural soaking rain usually lasts longer than a hose watering with treated water, unless you are watering with natural water from a well which would be equivalent to a natural rain. When “determinate” tomatoes start to ripen you can greatly reduce the amount of watering to reduce the chances of cracking. Determinate tomatoes are ones that produce heavily all at once–at a “determined time.”
Feeding
Another thing that can cause tomatoes to crack is over feeding when they are starting to ripen. I use a slow-release, mild organic tomato food to fertilize tomato plants. When fruit starts to ripen I usually discontinue fertilizing, especially on determinate varieties.
Crack-resistant varieties
Also, there are some tomato varieties that are “crack resistant.” You could look for and plant these varieties. But, still, follow regular watering practices and avoid over feeding.
Earlier picking
Pick tomatoes early and allow them to ripen indoors. If you pick tomatoes right when you see their skin start to crack, they are still okay to eat. Instead, remove them from the plant and discard to avoid attracting insects and onset and spread of disease.