This common watering mistake creates splits in tomatoes

There’s nothing more delicious than that first ripe, juicy tomato of the season, fresh from your garden. But it can be disappointing if your beautiful fruits split before they’re ready to harvest. Splitting refers to when the fruit cracks vertically or concentrically in rings near the stem end.

This occurrence is common, but frustrating. “Not only does the cracking mar the appearance of your tomatoes, it also invites pests,” says Nate Muri, founder of Garden Like a Viking and Viking Growing System. “Many different varieties of tomatoes are subject to splitting, though certain types are more likely to do so, such as Super Sweet 100 and Cherokee Purple.”

You may be surprised to learn that issues with watering are at the heart of the problem. “You don’t want to put out too much water for your tomatoes,” says Frank Hyman, author of Ripe Tomato Revolution and former organic tomato farmer. “But err on the side of too much, rather than too little.”

But getting the watering just right can be tougher than it sounds. That’s because there are many variables that impact the results. That includes how much and how often you water, as well as circumstances out of your control, such as a thunderstorm suddenly dumping a deluge on your garden, says Hyman.

Curb your tomato angst by learning what makes tomatoes split in the first place—and what you can do about it when it happens.

Why do tomatoes split?

It’s all about the water and when your tomatoes receive it. “Splitting occurs when the fruit is growing and the cells are dividing on the outside of the skin,” says Muri. “When the plant suddenly gets a ton of water, the inside of the tomato swells up faster than the skin can accommodate the growth, causing the cracks.”

Typically, this happens after tomatoes have experienced a dry spell, followed by heavy irrigation or soaking rains. “It’s really the reaction of the plant to too much water after a period of not getting enough water,” says Hyman.

Because it’s environmental, you may not necessarily have to deal with splitting tomatoes for the entire season. Providing more consistent moisture—as much as possible when you have no control over the weather—may help prevent the rest of your crop from cracking, says Muri.

Can you eat tomatoes that split?

Yes, simply cut off the “bad” or split part. You also should harvest any split fruits right away. If you allow a damaged tomato to ripen on the vine, it can rot and will attract pests, says Muri.

How to prevent tomatoes from splitting

Even experienced gardeners have to deal with splitting tomatoes. “It can happen even if you’re providing the right amount of water,” says Hyman. “You get that thunderstorm and now suddenly all the tomatoes are cracking.” There are no guarantees, but these tips to reduce the chances that your tomatoes will split may help:

• Mulch your tomato plants. No matter what type of tomato you’re growing—cherry, plum, or slicer—mulch will help keep the soil moisture level more consistent. Landscape fabric or organic mulch is fine, including straw or finely chopped deciduous leaves. You also should mulch tomatoes you’re growing in containers, says Muri.
• Water consistently. Tomatoes love water, so keep it coming. Don’t allow the soil to become totally dry and then totally waterlogged. Steady, even moisture is what they like, says Hyman.
• Use drip irrigation, if possible. Ideally, soaker hoses placed at planting time are the best way to ensure your plants are getting consistent water. But if you have to water by hand, water deeply. Poke your finger in the soil about a foot away from the stem. If dirt sticks to it, you can forgo watering that day. If not, it’s time to give it a good, long drink, says Hyman.
• Water until it drains out of potted tomatoes. Some days you may need to water pots more than once a day. Also, make sure there are holes in the bottom of the container so the excess can drain out and the potting medium doesn’t become sopping wet, says Muri.
• Grow tomatoes in a self-watering container. You’ll still need to fill the reservoir regularly, but the container can deliver more consistent moisture to plants, says Hyman. It’s also a helpful method if you travel or will be away and have no one to water your plants.
• Pick fruits when they first show color. Believe it or not, tomatoes don’t have to ripen on the vine to taste good. “As soon as your tomato starts changing color, harvest it and let it ripen inside,” says Hyman. “It doesn’t change the flavor, and you’ll stop it from cracking.”
• Watch the weather. If a storm is coming, pull all the fruit that’s beginning to turn color before the rain arrives. Your tomatoes can finish ripening indoors, which will save these particular fruits from splitting, says Muri.