The tomato-growing secrets Italian farmers swear by

Homegrown tomatoes can taste dramatically better than grocery-store varieties, but only if they’re grown correctly. So I asked Paolo, an Italian tomato farmer in Lazio who grows for Cirio—one of Italy’s most iconic tomato brands—to share the techniques he relies on every season.

Here, he shares his lesser-known tomato-growing tips inspired by Italian farming traditions—from when to plant to how much to water, and why you shouldn’t always pinch out every side shoot.

Whether you’re growing tomatoes in raised beds in Texas, containers in California, or a backyard garden in the Midwest, these Italian growing techniques can improve flavor almost anywhere.

1. Work with the Land—and Do Not Overwater

In Italy, tomato plants often benefit from naturally sandy soils, which drain well and prevent roots from sitting in too much moisture. In the United States, where soil can vary greatly by region, be sure to amend your soil as needed so the soil drains well. For example, if your garden has heavy clay soil—a common problem across parts of the South and Midwest—you can recreate similar drainage by mixing in compost and growing in raised beds.

Once tomato plants are established, Paolo recommends letting the soil dry out slightly between thorough waterings.

“Once your tomato plants are established, avoid overwatering,” he says. “Let the soil dry out slightly between thorough waterings. This helps keep roots healthy, encourages better fruit production rather than excess leafy growth, and improves flavor.”

If you live in a region that gets lots of rain, growing tomatoes in a greenhouse can help recreate the drier, better-drained conditions tomatoes prefer, while also giving plants some protection from unpredictable weather.

2. Plant in the Late Afternoon

Many gardeners head outside first thing in the morning, but Paolo says late afternoon is often a better time to plant out young tomatoes.

“It may seem like a small detail, but timing matters,” he explains. “In central Italy, we don’t rush the land; we work with it at its calmest. That’s why many growers prefer planting young tomato plants in the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler.”

Planting later in the day gives young plants time to settle into the soil overnight, without the added stress of strong sun, high temperatures, or rapid evaporation.

For U.S. gardeners, it is a simple tweak that can help reduce transplant shock and support stronger early root establishment.

3. Do Not Remove Every Sucker

Side shoots, aka suckers, are the small new stems that appear in the “V” between the main stem and a leaf branch. Many gardeners pinch them out to encourage tomato plants to grow upwards, improve airflow, and focus energy on fruit production.

But Paolo says you do not necessarily need to remove them all.

“While many gardeners pinch out every side shoot, we always leave one side shoot to develop, just in case,” he says. “This ‘extra’ branch can act as a backup, producing additional fruit and helping the plant remain productive if the main stem is damaged or slows down.”

It is a useful reminder that pruning does not have to mean being ruthless. Leaving one well-placed side shoot can give the plant a little insurance, especially if you are growing in changeable conditions.

4. Pick Tomatoes Early in the Day

When it comes to harvesting, timing matters too. Paolo recommends picking tomatoes in the morning, when temperatures are cooler.

“Harvesting in the morning helps preserve the tomato’s texture and freshness,” he says. “This can make a noticeable difference to taste, particularly if you’re growing for flavor rather than just yield.”

For the best flavor, pick tomatoes when they are fully colored and ripe, then enjoy them as simply as possible—sliced with olive oil, torn basil, and a pinch of sea salt.