The reason your tomatoes split

Tomatoes split

If you have been growing tomatoes for a long time, splitting or breaking the tomatoes is not new to you. But, if you are new, cracks or splits can be scary.

Why does my tomato split?

Tomatoes split for one simple reason - water fluctuations. If you notice cracks in your tomatoes, they may not be getting the balanced watering they want.

The split usually appears after heavy rains following hot and dry climates. Due to the heavy rain, the tasty interior of the tomato grows faster than the outer skin, thus splitting it.

Small cracks can also occur during hot and dry seasons. The skin of the tomato is just as dry and cracked as we are.

You will notice that your tomatoes split in different ways - vertically or densely. Vertical slits are cut from the top to the bottom of the fruit across your tomato.

5 ways to prevent tomatoes from splitting

1. Water properly

Proper watering of tomato plants is one of the important things to consider when growing tomatoes. Unfortunately, many people continue to misunderstand. Even if you put your tomatoes too much or underwater, bad effects can occur.

Not only are your tomatoes very susceptible to splitting, but they can also face a number of problems - root rot, low yields, poor quality fruit, yellowing, and stunted growth. Pests and diseases also grow on poorly watered tomatoes.

How often you water depends on the age and size of your tomato plants, the stage of fruit growth, and how you planted them. You need to consider many environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature.

In the early stages of life, tomato plants need plenty of water to establish strong root systems. As the roots extend deeper into the soil, the plant will be able to manage less irrigation until the soil is deeply watered. Large plants have large root systems that absorb water very quickly. They need more water than small tomato plants.

Warmer temperatures also call for more water. But, if it rains heavily during the week, stop watering on weekends.

The best way to water your tomato plants is to water them deeply but slowly. Thus water will penetrate properly into the soil.

Moisten the soil directly at the base of your tomato plant, preventing it from touching the leaves. When you water the whole plant, most of the water will not reach the soil and will sit on the leaves and call for pests and diseases.

Maintaining a balanced and proper water level will keep your tomatoes thirsty and prevent them from splitting. Pay close attention to changes in temperature and respond accordingly, making sure your fruits are not under stress.

2. Monitor the soil

To prevent the tomatoes from splitting, make sure your soil is perfect. Tomatoes thrive in well-drained soil. If you notice water stagnation around your tomatoes after watering, you have a soil problem and need to fix it.

Planting tomatoes in tall beds or in containers with holes can help with drainage problems. Adding good compost or coco peat to low-quality soil improves drainage without removing moisture, especially for clay-heavy soils.

Heavy rainfall is not a concern as well-drained soil is less likely to stagnate water around your tomatoes. Well-drained soil does not hold more water than tomatoes can handle, preventing them from splitting.

3. Mulch

Mulching around the base of your tomato is important for water management, especially as it helps retain water.

A 2-inch layer of mulch will keep the soil around your tomatoes cool and prevent water from evaporating. This protects your tomatoes from hot and dry weather, which can cause bad cracking.

You do not need to water frequently as mulch helps to retain water, which is always a success. But this is not the only benefit of mulch. Mulch also prevents weeds from growing. If they can be peeked off, the mulch layer makes it much easier to pull them off. Organic mulch prevents soil erosion and breaks down over time, keeping the soil structure strong.

One of the biggest things about mulch is that it is very easy to make and cheap if you choose the right materials. You can also use old leaves, straw, compost, and bark chips. Having done all that, being ready to pick your tomatoes is a surefire way to prevent those ugly cracks.

Some argue that ripening your tomatoes on the vine improves their taste. But that is not always the case. Once they are beyond the green state, their taste will not be affected by staying on the plant, which means you can enjoy the same excellent taste while ripening indoors or outdoors.

Picking your tomatoes in advance - for a heatwave or rain a few weeks in advance - has many benefits.

Not only do you stop cracking m occurs but you can also control the ripening process. You can ripen them yourself on your kitchen counter. Or, you can speed up the process by placing them in a container or paper bag.

4. Select in advance

One of the best ways to prevent your tomatoes from splitting is to ripen them from the vine. This is a sure way to prevent those ugly cracks as you are ready to pick your tomatoes even if you have done everything.

Some argue that ripening your tomatoes on the vine improves their taste. But that is not always the case. Once they are beyond the green state, their taste will not be affected by staying on the plant, which means you can enjoy the same excellent taste while ripening indoors or outdoors.

Picking your tomatoes in advance - for a heatwave or rain a few weeks in advance - has many benefits.

You can not only stop cracking but also control the ripening process. You can ripen them yourself on your kitchen counter. Or, you can speed up the process by placing them in a container or paper bag.

5. Plant resistant varieties

Some tomato varieties are more prone to splitting than others. Small varieties with thick, elastic skin are less prone to splitting. Many hybrids are not only fractured resistant but also immune. Some may also provide higher fruit yields.

Always check the label or seed list of your plant and make sure it is a problem-free variety. Combine anti-splitting types with other prevention methods. This way you guarantee an almost split tomato.

What to do with split tomatoes

If your tomatoes are split, do not strain. It may be frustrating, but they are still edible.

Harvest tomatoes immediately to prevent pests and bacteria from taking root in the cracks. Carefully inspect your split tomatoes immediately after harvest. If there are no signs of rot or pests, you can add them to any food you like.

Unfortunately, they can not be stored for a long time and should be eaten immediately. If you have too many split tomatoes and do not have enough time to eat them, try one of several safety methods.

Spoiled split tomatoes are easy to spot. They smell sour and their cracks are leaking. These fruits should be disposed of properly to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Do not throw them in your compost pile or garden - discard them with your regular household waste.