Tomatoes, a must-have in any garden! But it’s such a shame when they start splitting just before they’re ready to be picked. Not only does it ruin their appearance, but it can also lead to problems like mold and insects. The good news is, with a few simple tricks, you can avoid this disaster and harvest perfect, round, and delicious tomatoes.
What causes tomatoes to split?
Splitting tomatoes is the kind of problem every gardener dreads. But why does it happen? The main cause of tomato splitting is related to fluctuations in watering. Imagine this: after a heavy rain, your tomatoes receive a lot of water all at once. But if, in the following days, it gets dry and you forget to water them, the soil becomes too dry, and the tomatoes don’t absorb enough moisture. As a result, they end up growing too quickly for their skin, causing cracks.
The key to preventing cracks: regular watering
So, how can you prevent this? The answer is simple: regular and consistent watering. One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is giving too much water at once and then letting the soil dry out. To prevent cracks, you need to avoid sudden changes in moisture. The ideal is to maintain a steady watering schedule, giving your tomatoes about 2.5 cm of water each week. Of course, you should adjust this amount based on the weather conditions – a particularly hot summer may require more water.
A simple trick to check if your tomatoes need watering: the finger test. Simply stick a finger in the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. And don’t just water the surface, the goal is to make sure the water penetrates deeply into the soil without wetting the leaves. Water directly at the base of the plants.
Watering: avoid bad practices
What is often misunderstood in tomato watering is that you should avoid using sprinkler systems. Why? Because they wet the leaves, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases like mildew. Instead, opt for a long-spout watering can or a garden hose that allows you to water directly at the base of the plant.
In the summer, the heat can dry out the soil faster than expected, so it’s even more important to check regularly if your plants are thirsty. It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget to water consistently, especially when it’s hot.
The consequences of split tomatoes: what you need to know
Splitting tomatoes are not just ugly to look at—they also create openings where pests can get in. These cracks make it easy for insects and bacteria to enter, which encourages mold growth. If you don’t deal with it quickly, it can affect the rest of your crop.
So, if you notice that your tomatoes are starting to split, it’s important to act fast. For unripe tomatoes, you can let them ripen indoors, away from the humidity. For those that are already ripe, the solution is simple: cut away the damaged part. This will prevent mold from spreading, and you can still enjoy the rest of the tomato.
A few extra tips for taking care of your tomatoes
- Well-aerated soil: Make sure your tomatoes are planted in well-draining soil. Compacted or overly wet soil retains too much water, which can cause watering issues.
- Add compost or potting soil: To encourage proper water absorption, enrich your soil with compost or potting mix. This helps maintain consistent moisture and avoids dry spells.
- Adding coffee grounds: Did you know that coffee grounds are an excellent way to nourish your tomatoes? They’re rich in nitrogen and can be added to your soil to help the plants grow stronger. It’s an eco-friendly and free trick to reduce waste while boosting your tomato plants’ health.
By following these simple tips, you can say goodbye to split tomatoes. The secret lies in managing your watering: a steady, well-measured, and targeted approach is the key.
