It’s heart-wrenching to see the tomato you’ve been eagerly watching for weeks suddenly bear a huge crack. Often, it seems as if this mishap occurs just when they’re ripe for the picking.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind tomato splitting and how you can combat it.
Understanding Tomato Splitting
Tomato splitting is a common hiccup, even for veteran gardeners, especially during hot, arid summers. Surprisingly, the actual culprit isn’t the heat but inconsistent watering.
Tomatoes thrive with a steady water supply. In scenarios where dry periods are abruptly followed by heavy rain, tomatoes absorb water rapidly, causing the fruit to expand faster than the skin can stretch. This inconsistency can unfortunately set the stage for a season filled with cracked tomatoes.
Most often, it’s the almost ripe tomatoes that fall victim to this predicament.
Is Your Soil Lacking Nutrients?
Tomatoes low in calcium and potassium tend to crack more easily. If you’ve been enriching your soil with compost, this might not be an issue. However, before adding any supplements, it’s wise to get a soil test.
Deciphering the Type of Split
How a tomato cracks can actually hint at the underlying cause.
1. Radial Cracks:
These are vertical splits running down the tomato, commonly seen after a heavy rain in nearly mature tomatoes. Tomatoes with radial cracks should be consumed quickly.
2. Concentric Cracks:
These form around the tomato’s top, originating from the stem and circling around the tomato’s shoulders. They’re generally linked to uneven growth or nutrient imbalances and are often influenced by inconsistent watering patterns.
Catfacing Vs. Splitting
It’s essential to differentiate between catfacing and splitting. Catfacing refers to scars and deformities at the blossom scar of the tomato, predominantly seen in heirloom varieties, and isn’t related to water consistency.
Strategies to Prevent Tomato Splitting
1. Opt for Crack-resistant Varieties:
Hybrid tomatoes, besides being disease-resistant, are often bred to resist cracking.
2. Consistent Watering:
Ensure a steady water supply. Introduce deep, consistent watering routines to avoid rapid fruit growth which leads to splitting.
3. Mulch Is a Must:
Mulching retains soil moisture and reduces evaporation, ensuring tomatoes have a consistent water supply.
4. Harvest Early:
To prevent splitting, pick almost-ripe tomatoes and let them ripen in a controlled environment like your kitchen.
5. Anticipate Rain:
If heavy rain is predicted, pick the almost-ripe tomatoes. In surprise rain scenarios, a large tarp can serve as protection.
6. Test Your Soil:
Seek expertise from an agricultural extension office or use a mail-away lab test kit. Accurate results can guide you in addressing any deficiencies.
Tips for Container-Grown Tomatoes
Containers can lead to fluctuating moisture levels. Always use containers with drainage holes to prevent excess water retention. And don’t forget, mulching can be equally beneficial for potted tomatoes.
How to Handle Split Tomatoes
Though they might not look perfect, split tomatoes are edible. Harvest them promptly to avoid further deterioration. Due to their vulnerabilities, they should be consumed or preserved immediately to prevent spoilage or insect infestation. After a heavy rainfall, it’s a good practice to inspect your tomatoes and remove any split ones.
With the right preventive measures and a watchful eye, you can ensure that your tomatoes remain in prime condition until they’re ready for the plate.
Pepper plants are a popular addition to any home garden, offering a wide range of flavors, colors, and heat levels. Read more
Enjoy potatoes in countless ways – baked, mashed, french fried, roasted – these versatile tubers are a beloved dietary cornerstone. Read more
If you’re a gardening enthusiast with limited space, growing zucchini plants in pots can be a great option. Not only Read more
In this article, we're going to discuss a simple, cost-effective method to grow an unlimited amount of tomatoes with just Read more
When the word 'kiwi' is mentioned, it often brings to mind images of succulent, aromatic fruits. However, have you ever Read more
Blueberries are not only delicious and packed with nutrients, but they can also be a rewarding addition to your home Read more
Urban gardening has emerged as a popular way to contribute to sustainability while promoting home-grown food. Even common household items Read more
Living in a frost-prone or cold region might seem incompatible with growing a mandarin tree, as these trees are typically Read more
Growing strawberries in a pot is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, juicy berries right at your fingertips, even if Read more
Exploring the growth of an avocado seed at home can be a fascinating endeavor, whether it's driven by curiosity or Read more
Celery is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown easily in a variety of environments, including your own Read more
Imagine the joy of plucking fresh, juicy lemons from your very own tree whenever you desire that refreshing burst of Read more
Ever noticed how a tomato picked fresh from the garden tastes leagues better than the one you grabbed from a Read more
Tomatoes have long been a favorite among home gardeners due to their delectable taste and versatility in the kitchen. If Read more
Garlic, a beloved herb known for its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits, is a kitchen staple in many households. Read more
A tomato trellis is a carefully constructed support system designed to guide and stabilize tomato plants as they grow. It Read more
Cherry trees are not only beautiful additions to a garden or orchard but also provide delicious, juicy fruits that are Read more
Cucumbers are a popular vegetable that can take up a significant amount of space in your garden due to their Read more
Pumpkins are not just Halloween ornaments; they are incredibly versatile vegetables that can be used in a myriad of delightful Read more
Cantaloupes, often referred to as muskmelons, are succulent and flavorful fruits that many people love. Growing them in your own Read more
Cherry tomatoes, with their vibrant colors, bite-sized allure, and delectable sweetness, have become a favorite among home gardeners and food Read more
Growing cilantro, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum L, is sometimes challenging due to soil compatibility. However, cultivating cilantro in water Read more
Gardening enthusiasts know that there's nothing quite like the thrill of harvesting a crop you've nurtured with your own two Read more
Growing peanuts may not top your list for garden plants, but imagine container-grown peanuts as an engaging activity with your Read more
Dreaming of savoring fresh, homegrown sweet corn but lack the space of a traditional garden? Look no further; container gardening Read more
Broccoli is not only a nutritious and delicious vegetable but is also quite versatile in terms of growing methods. For Read more
Transform your kitchen leftovers into a green garden. Save money and Mother Earth simultaneously by growing veggies from remnants! Did Read more
Considering planting sweet potatoes in pots or containers? For those with limited space, container gardening is a fantastic option. In Read more
Pineapples, with their sweet, tangy flavor and tropical allure, are a favorite fruit of many. But did you know you Read more
Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding endeavor, but did you know you can re-grow some vegetables from scraps Read more
The vibrant dragon fruit, or pitaya as it's traditionally known, stands as a testament to Mother Nature's brilliance. A delicious Read more
Growing mushrooms at home is an exciting venture for both hobbyists and commercial growers. Using buckets and containers is a Read more
Mangoes are delicious, tropical fruits that many people love. Not only are they tasty, but they also have a unique Read more
