Credit: Ana Rocio Garcia Franco / Getty Images Tomatoes often split due to fluctuating water levels caused by weather, temperature, or inconsistent watering. Picking tomatoes just after they begin ripening (yellow to orange stage) prevents splitting, and they can ripen indoors. This method preserves the quality of the tomatoes, avoids cracks, and ensures they taste as good as vine-ripened ones. This spring, I planted my first vegetable garden and filled it with tomato, cucumber, and pepper plants.