When it comes to backyard gardening, the tomato plant is the most widely grown type of edible grown my modern hobbyists. While tomatoes do require certain conditions to flourish, they are actually quite simple to grow. 1. Select the Correct Seed Variety Different climates and conditions are best for different types of tomato plants. Choose a tomato variety that is bred to flourish in your particular climate. A short-season tomato, such as Early Girl, is ideal for areas with short growing seasons. If your climate is prone to specific diseases, choose a tomato variety that is bred to resist those problems. 2. Prepare Your Planting Surface Start tomato seeds in a seed flat or in small peat pellets or pots using a basic seed starting mix. Moisten the mix with water in a medium-sized bowl until