This can happen in a few different scenario:
1. You forget to water regularly and the soil gets to dry. Then you finally remember and water a lot to make up for it or it rains. Then the plant drinks up the water super fast and the skins split. Whoops!
2. Your water regularly (maybe once a day after work) but it is extremely hot out. The soil moister evaporates during the day and the plants dry out. When you get home from work and water, he plants absorb the water too quickly and the tomatoes split.
3. Your soil is too sandy and does not have enough organic matter to hold water. So, the plants dry and the next time it rains the plans absorb water too quickly and the tomatoes split.
Can you eat tomatoes with splits?
Of course you can eat tomatoes with splits. You should pick them as soon as possible. They don’t seem to last as long due to the weakness in the protective skin. Just cut the affected area and enjoy.
How can you prevent the tomato splits?
1. Maintain soil moisture by watering frequently and deeply
-This will decrease the chances of rain splitting your tomatoes
2. Maintain soil moisture covering the soil with mulch
-This will prevent the water from evaporating
3. Choose more resistant varieties if you live in a hot climate
4. Cover the soil with Veggie Booster Mulch
-This will keep the moisture in the soil consistent,
-Side benefits: reduce weeding time, reflect more vital red light wavelengths to the plant, reduce fruit rotting on the
ground and discourage pests
5. Make a Crop Cover (row cover fabric) jacket for your tomato plants
-This can protect from drying winds and harsh sun and keep moisture in
-Side benefits: protect from pests, fungi, and bacteria
6. Don’t over fertilize to prevent the plant from growing too quickly