"What's Happening To My Tomatoes?"

Due to the increase of interest this season in planting vegetables, I have had increasing numbers of questions regarding growing tomatoes in the home garden. 

"The tops of my tomatoes have large splits where they were attached to the vine.  What is causing this?"

Cracks on tomatoes, radiating from the stem axis, are usally caused by changes in watering or inconsistent watering practices, either on your part of by Mother Nature.  When the tomato plant has become accustomed to a certain quantity of water, and then has a radical increase in the amount of water or rain it is receiving, a growth spurt will occur.  The fleshy tissue of the fruit on the inside will grow much faster than the skin, causing the skin to split to accomodate the interior growth.  The fruit is OK other than having a somewhat corky texture around the split. This can usually be corrected by monitoring the water more closely when possible. 

The splits however, may sometimes cause the plant to become more susceptible to viral infections, which could lead to the loss of the fruit and possibly the plant itself.  When you plant your tomatoes in the spring, give them very good, deep waterings each time you water, therby customizing the plant to the extra water it may need through the hot summer months.  This will keep the plant well hydrated during times of inconsistent watering. 

Be sure to visit us at Sartin Services Lawncare & Nursery today and let one of our knowledgeable sales associates help you with one of the many products available to make your home gardening more successful.  Or for any additional questions you may have, please email "Ask the Expert", and together we can "dig a little deeper".

Happy Gardening!

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Larry Vickers