Well, put it this way-- if you don't water, you'll continue to have BER and possibly dead plants.

am I doing more damage by watering them after the were dry for awhile, or not

Yes. Not by the watering but by letting them go dry in the first place.

I know all the causes

Inconsistent soil moisture levels is the main one.

Dave

I realize that was my problem this year. Yes, I can grow lots of tomatoes in small containers, BUT......large tomato plants in small containers, in a well draining mix, during a hot summer, causes the mix to dry out fast. And unless I'm there to keep the container moisture levels somewhat constant, they dry out almost every day. So my routine of soaking the dry containers once per day led to intermittent problems with BER.

Have you consider self watering containers? A couple of times a day watering?
Couple of years ago I had a 3 foot high tomato in a 12 gal SWC out in the yard. On hot days It took 2 gallons of water each day to keep it watered- yes, that much.
KennyP

thanks for your answers , I know I should have waterd sooner , we pay for our water so hesatated they keep promising rain that didn't come should I continue to water now since I stared

should I continue to water now since I stared

Yes. Since inconsistent moisture levels is the cause then keeping the soil moisture levels consistent is the prevention.

There are literally 100's of discussions here about BER that the search will pull up for you to review if interested.

You didn't mention containers in your first post. Are these in the ground or in containers? If so, what saize.

Dave

Actually I have one SWC made from 5 gallon buckets. SWC is really a misnomer because I had to fill that every day also. It would drink the 1.5 gal res. dry every day. I had BER on that too.

they are in the ground about 40 plants so it is a farly big patch, I am wtering morning and evening our temp here today was 35with a hot drying wind , maybe rain tonight but I diden't wait to find out