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Chesterfield, MO on Aug 07, 2011

I'm a fairly knowledgable gardener but I know very little about growing fruits & vegetables.

I use an organic fertilizer I blend myself which consists mostly of alfalfa meal. The weather's been brutal this year (cool, wet spring followed by scorching heat and humidity). My tomato's are coming on but they have cracks in the top. What causes this? Is it too much water?

4 Comments

Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

It is not necessarily too much water, Barb, but inconsistent water. A heavy rain or deep watering after a long, dry period results in rapid water uptake by the plant. This sudden uptake of water results in cracking of ripening fruit. Generally, fruit cracking is most common on the large, beefsteak-type tomatoes. Moderate soil moisture by mulching the area around tomato plants with dried grass clippings, straw, shredded leaves or other materials. For next season, look for tomato varieties ...»
that possess good crack resistance. Those known to possess good to excellent crack resistance include Jetstar, Mountain Spring and Mountain Fresh. Good luck!

on Aug 08, 2011 · Like 1
Barb M Chesterfield, MO

Thanx so much, I've wondered every year what variety to purchase.

on Aug 08, 2011 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

You're most welcome, Barb. If you don't find them locally, there are excellent mail-order sources for tomatoes these days.

on Aug 09, 2011 · Like 0
Donna Dixson Buford, GA

Totally Tomatoes is a great mail order vegetable seed company
http://www.totallytomato.com/dc.asp?c1=Veget...

on Aug 09, 2011 · Like 0