Tomatoes prefer at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, and the best time for them to receive this is in the morning. This ensures that they get enough light during their peak growing period and helps protect them from extreme afternoon heat. Additionally, tomatoes benefit from early morning sun because it helps dry off any dew or moisture on their leaves which can lead to disease. Morning sun also gives tomatoes a head start on photosynthesis, helping them grow faster and produce more fruit.