Tomato splitting is a common issue that frustrates gardeners, especially when you’ve nurtured your plants for weeks only to see their fruits crack before ripening. Understanding why tomatoes split and how to prevent it is key to maintaining a healthy harvest of beautiful, flavorful fruits.
Why Do Tomatoes Split?
Tomato splitting is primarily caused by sudden changes in water availability. When a tomato absorbs more water than its skin can expand to accommodate, the fruit bursts, leading to unsightly cracks. These splits can make the fruit more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Common Causes of Splitting:
- Irregular Watering: Alternating between dry periods and heavy watering causes tomatoes to absorb water too quickly.
- Heavy Rainfall: A sudden downpour after a dry spell can flood the plant with water, leading to rapid fruit growth and splitting.
- Variety Susceptibility: Some tomato varieties, especially thin-skinned ones, are more prone to splitting.
- Overripening: Tomatoes left too long on the vine are more likely to split as their skins weaken.
Types of Splits
- Radial Cracking: Splits radiate outward from the stem.
- Concentric Cracking: Circular cracks form around the stem.
Both types can occur due to the same factors and require similar preventive measures.
6 Ways to Prevent Tomato Splitting
1. Consistent Watering
- What to Do: Water your plants evenly and regularly to avoid extreme fluctuations.
- Tip: Aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week, spread over several days. Use a drip irrigation system for controlled watering.
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