There are few things better than sitting down in a piazza – or even better, a taverna with a stunning sea view – and tucking into a plate of fat, ripe ruby-red tomatoes.
While these are easy to come by in Europe, at home our offerings can often be a lot more lacklustre and less deliziosa… However, with a little extra care – and some Italian insider intel – there is hope that you can grow some tomatoes worthy of a Mediterranean salad spectacular.
Paolo, one of 14,000 tomato farmers who grow for iconic tinned tomato company Cirio, is based in the Lazio region of central Italy.
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.
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 UK, where soil is often heavier and the climate wetter, gardeners need to be more careful.
Once tomato plants are established, Paolo recommends letting the soil dry out slightly between thorough waterings.
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"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 flavour."
For UK gardeners, 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 UK gardeners, it is a simple tweak that can help reduce transplant shock and support stronger early root establishment.
3. Do not remove every side shoot
Side shoots 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 flavour rather than just yield."
For the best flavour, pick tomatoes when they are fully coloured and ripe, then enjoy them as simply as possible – sliced with olive oil, torn basil and a pinch of sea salt.
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