Why Do Tomatoes Split? A Guide to Understanding Tomato Cracking

Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that are used in countless dishes around the world. However, they can be frustrating to grow and harvest due to a common issue: splitting. If you're tired of picking tomatoes off the vine only to find them cracked and split, read on to learn more about why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.

What Causes Tomatoes to Split?

Tomato splitting occurs when the tomato skin stretches too quickly for the fruit to keep up. This most commonly happens after a period of heavy rain or watering, when the tomato absorbs too much water too quickly. The inside of the tomato swells faster than the skin can keep up with, causing it to split open.

Another cause of tomato splitting is inconsistent watering. If the tomato plant goes through periods of drought followed by heavy watering, the sudden influx of water can cause the fruit to split. Similarly, if you've been neglecting your tomato plants and then suddenly start watering them regularly, the same thing can happen.

Can You Prevent Tomatoes from Splitting?

While there's no surefire way to prevent tomatoes from splitting completely, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk:

• Water your tomato plants consistently: Try to give your tomato plants a consistent amount of water every day or every other day. This will help prevent sudden influxes of water that can cause the fruit to split.
• Use mulch: Mulching around your tomato plants can help regulate the soil temperature and moisture levels, which can reduce the risk of splitting.
• Plant resistant varieties: Some tomato varieties are less likely to split than others, so choose your plants carefully. Look for varieties with thicker skin or smaller fruit, as these tend to be less prone to splitting.
• Pick your tomatoes early: If you know that heavy rain is on the way, consider picking your tomatoes a little early. They may not be fully ripe, but they'll be safe from splitting.

What Should You Do If Your Tomatoes Split?

If your tomatoes do end up splitting, don't despair! While they may not look as pretty, they're still perfectly edible. Just cut out the damaged part of the tomato and use the rest as you normally would.

If you're planning on storing your tomatoes for an extended period of time, however, it's best to use ones that haven't split. Split tomatoes are more prone to rotting and can spoil your entire batch.

Tomato splitting can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to ruin your tomato-growing experience. By understanding the causes of splitting and taking steps to prevent it, you can enjoy delicious, crack-free tomatoes all season long.

A ripe tomato on a vine

A healthy tomato plant with green tomatoes

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