By Katie Markheim, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Dear Master Gardener, how do I prevent cracking on tomatoes?
Two types of cracks may develop on tomato fruit. Radial growth cracks radiate from the stem and concentric cracks encircle the fruit, usually on the shoulders. Cracking is associated with rapid fruit development and wide fluctuations in water availability to the plant. Fruit that has reached the ripening stage during dry weather may show considerable cracking if the dry period is followed by heavy rains and high temperatures. Tomato varieties differ considerably in the amount and severity of cracking under climatic conditions. Mulching and avoiding heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer should help reduce fruit cracking.