Question: My tomatoes have cracks that run vertically on the fruit. The cracks penetrate clear into the flesh of the fruit and essentially ruin it. How can I stop the problem?

Answer: That’s caused by sudden exposure to hot, dry weather and probably also hot sunshine. Just as a windshield cracks when the temperature changes quickly, so will tomato skin. Again, harvesting a day or two early will help. Leave the side shoots (suckers) in place to shade the ripening fruit.