Stephen Younge wrote:

Howdy!

I am growing a variety of tomatoes in pots and in the ground. Lately, the
very hot days are causing the tomatoes to thrive, and I finally have about
15 green tomatoes on my Early Girl, which is the furthest along.

By late afternoon, the tomatoes are in shade, looking healthy but the soil
is somewhat dry. I know it is bad for any plants to be wet overnight
(because it encourages pests). But should I give these plants another shot
of water at this time to moisten the soil for any overnight growth that
occurs? Do the tomatoes just sleep overnight or do they grow?

Amount of water is less important than delivering it consistently. Too much
water followed by too little produces cracked tomatoes. A cheap timer and a
soaker hose are your plants' best friends.

If your tomatoes haven't wilted by midday, they're getting a surplus of
water. Soil surface appearance can be misleading. Soil six inches down
gives you a more accurate indication.