Avoid tomato cracking

Here we go again. The heat outside is reaching tropical levels and many crops are suffering. Tomatoes in particular. They crack due to alternating dry and rainy weather. Can you avoid tomato cracking? Well, the good news is that you can use cracked tomatoes without any problems, as long as the crack is shallow and white. These little cracks do not degrade the taste but the fruit is definitely less appealing. The problem arises when mould gets inside cracks or pests find cracks appealing. So, how can you remedy this problem?

Bet on more resistant varieties

Many gardeners will tell you that all tomatoes are prone to cracking. Yes, it is true but, it does not hurt to plant more resistant varieties which are able to overcome alternating heat and heavy rains with less damage. The most resistant varieties are:

• Start,
• Torino F1,
• Baby,
• Orkney
• Daphne.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Regular watering

The most common cause of cracking is irregular watering. Tomato plants cannot absorb large amount of water. They literally swell and the delicate tissues crack. Several dry days in a row is often enough and you have a problem. Pour water directly on roots and not on leaves. Plants need the most water when they produce fruits.

Fertilization and mulching

Another important factor is a constant supply of nutrients. Nitrogen plays an important role. If your soil is rich in nitrogen, you do not need add nitrogen fertilizers, but you should add phosphorus. Mulching is a great way to slow down water evaporation. You can use freshly cut grass, dry leaves, straw or wood chips.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Harvest early

A late harvest is not ideal. Quite the opposite. Tomatoes do not need to be dark red all around. For example, if you know that a storm is coming, pick tomatoes that are not fully ripe before the storm. They will ripen at home. However, leave the stem on the fruit. Tomatoes will not dry as quickly and will be sweeter.

Source:

Ireceptar.cz, hobby.instory.cz, hobby.magazinplus.cz

Preview photo: Radek Štěpán