Why are my tomatoes splitting in the greenhouse?

The tomato is undoubtedly one of the most popular vegetables. Healthy, tasty and easy to grow, it flourishes just as well in a pot, in the clumsy hands of a beginner as in a greenhouse in the ground. Covered by your attentive gaze and the sunlight, it grows and reddens visibly. And then one day, surprise, you notice that your beautiful tomatoes are split. Where does the problem come from and how to fix it? Here are our tips.

Temperature fluctuations that stress your plants

Very often, fully ripening tomatoes split, because they have suffered a significant and sudden temperature change. This happens in the middle of summer, when nighttime storms bring coolness following a particularly hot and sunny day. This sudden change stresses the tomatoes and causes cracking. We must not forget that tomatoes come from South America, they don’t like the cold!

The secret is to maintain a stable temperature in your greenhouse. To do this, you must ventilate your crop by opening windows and doors to create a natural air flow. You can also reduce the light, and therefore the heat, using curtains or blinds. Finally, it is possible to cool your greenhouse using a mister. The humidity level will increase while the temperature will tend to decrease.

Monitor watering

Tomatoes are sensitive to excessive watering. When a tomato plant receives too much water, its fruit can suddenly become soft. And if it is particularly hot, they will have a tendency, again, to crack.

Prefer generous watering once or twice a week, which will promote root growth, rather than moderate watering every day. Ideally, water in the morning, avoiding the foliage, otherwise you risk developing diseases such as mildew. For more advice, see our article: . During these prolonged periods without rain, there is a lack of water in the soil, putting crops at risk. The tomato loves heat, the fault of its Latin origins. It will, initially, flourish at breakneck speed. Its fruits will develop quickly, too quickly. The flesh will grow without the skin having time to adapt. Result ? Tomatoes crack.

To remedy this, mulch your tomato plants. This way, you nourish the earth and reduce the phenomenon of soil evaporation.

Faced with a lack of calcium, the tomato cracks

A good supply of calcium is essential for the growth of tomatoes. Indeed, this nutrient participates in the formation of the skin. If the plant lacks calcium, its fruits will be weakened and may eventually crack.

In this case, increase the frequency of watering (since water naturally contains calcium) or fertilize your soil with a fertilizer enriched with calcium.

And don't forget, even if they are split, these are edible, for a little that they have not yet been attacked by garden and vegetable pests. They may be less beautiful, but just as tasty!