Cracked Tomatoes

I thought it would be good to talk about a condition with your tomato plants you might have this year. The condition is called tomato cracking or split tomato. Here is a picture of what the condition looks like.

The split tomato is really caused by a lack of water. What happens is that in a dry spell or if you don't water consistently, the tomato can dry out and crack. The tomato needs water to stay juicy and lush. When you water again or it rains, the tomato takes in the water and splits at the spot where it had previously cracked. Kind of like overfilling a water balloon.

In addition to an aesthetic issue, the crack in the tomato can allow bacteria and fungus to enter the plant so it is important to water your tomatoes properly.

Tomatoes should receive one to two inches of water per week. This water should be provided on a regular and even basis. Don't forget to use mulch to help keep the soil moist and disease in check. Finally, if you go on vacation ask your neighbor to help water. Most people will gladly water for you in exchange for some tomatoes.