Tomatos splitting

cuemaster · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:26 pm Post subject: Tomatos splitting

Can anyone tell me why my tomatoes are splitting on the plant ?
Is it being eaten or just growing too big, some are ripe and some not

mralgae · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:42 pm Post subject:

Hi, the same was asked not long ago but cant find it. from what i remember it was said that it was due to watering. if they are allowed to dry out and then watered to much the excess water uptake makes them split, sort of like an over full balloon.

cuemaster · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:43 pm Post subject:

Cheers mralgae
Looking back that's probably the issue, have plans in place to change that next year

Sive · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:08 pm Post subject:

I've had the same problem with a few of my tomatoes, and find the cherry tomatoes are more prone to splitting than the larger ones......I have decided that just never letting the compost dry out is the answer...probably easier said than done though !
Just like you, cuemaster, I have plans to do better next year...I have never grown tomatoes before, but am delighted with my beginner's results.

michael brenock · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 8:40 pm Post subject:

splitting is due to uneven watering in changing weather conditions. lack of potash also contributes towards the problem. The smaller tomatoes have more skin in proportion to weight and volume than bigger ones. prevention is best by giving regular feeds of balanced plant food and always keep the plants watered but not waterlogged. I have lots of split cherry tomatoes myself due to neglect of watering.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)