Nothing frustrates a gardener quite like spotting beautiful fruit one evening, then walking outside after a rainstorm to find it covered in ugly cracks. Tomatoes split down the sides, cherries burst open, and plums suddenly wear deep scars that invite insects and disease. A harvest that looked picture-perfect can change overnight.
Fruit rarely splits for mysterious reasons. Plants usually react to sudden changes in moisture, temperature, or growing conditions. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce the problem, helping more fruit reach the kitchen instead of the compost pile. Timing matters, consistency matters, and a little planning often makes all the difference.
