First of all, there are many tomatoes to choose from, the list is very large, and there are different attributes to each tomato. Some tomatoes may fair better in different locations, some tomatoes have different tastes, or some are small little cherry tomatoes, and some are nice big huge big boy tomatoes. Here is a brief list of the different tomatoes. You should look at the seed packet, or get information on the ones that you would like to grow. Since there are so many types, tastes, and varieties, that it really gives the tomato grower a lot of options. Here is the list:

Floriamerica, Royal Flush, Pik Red, Celebrity, Liberty, Revolution, Mountain Pride, Floradade,  Better Boy, Big Seven, Jet Star, Fantastic, Bradley, Traveler, Lemon Boy and Sunray.

I'm sure I must have left a few off this list, but the variety is just wonderful, so try a whole bunch and see which ones you would like to grow or ones that have a taste that suits your needs.

Soil Preparation:

Now this is an important step in growing tomatoes, getting the soil ready. You should till the soil, apply fertilizer and work it into the soil before planting. Roughly use 2-3 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet, if the soil is very poor you may want to increase the fertilizer amounts.

The Plants

You can start tomato plants from seeds, or you can buy them from a garden shop. The one thing that you want to make sure is that you only plant the strongest and best tomato plants, you'll get the highest yield, and will have a much better chance of having a healthy garden. You should look for tomato plants that are as wide as they are tall.

If you are planting in the early spring, it may be a good idea to condition your tomato plants for the variables it may face in spring time weather. If you would like to condition your plants to be able to handle some of the uncertain weather changes of the spring you can lower the temperature of the plant during the different times of the day, and reduce the amout of water and fertilizer. You can do this two weeks before planting and it shouldn't be extreme, but leaving the plants out during the day and taking them in at night would be a good idea.

Rotation and Planting

You should avoid planting tomatoes in the same area of the garden two years in a row. I personally find it difficult not to, just because of the limitation of space I have, if you are diligent with the preparation of the soil, then you should be alright.

Planting time, once your tomatoes are about 5 to 8 inches tall, you should plant them so you cover the root ball. How close you plant the tomatoes together is dependent on what type of tomato your planting, and how you might be pruning the plant. Most of the seed packets or little stakes that come with the tomato plant, will tell you how far apart to plant the tomatoes.

Mulching

Mulches such as leaves, grass clippings, compost, straw, can be placed down once the plants are set. Mulch will help to prevent weeds, it will also help the distribution of water, and will generally make the tomato plants stronger. You should only put the mulches that I've listed above after the ground has warmed up. You could also use black plastic with the same benefits as mulch. I've never used the black plastic, so generally I'm unsure of how effective or the exact way in which to utilize this material.

Stakes and Cages

The most important, almost more than anything else, is to properly support your tomato plants. I've made this error in the past and was very upset when I lost 7 tomato plants to a windy night. You can also get more yield per plant if you have them properly supported, they'll take up less area and produce just as much. You can either use a stake or a cage. I personally use stakes, they are cheap, and do a fine job. Stakes should be anywhere from 4 to 6 feet depending on what type of tomato plant you've got.

If you use a cage, make sure they are strong and properly anchored to the ground. I'm not too familiar with the use of cages, and since I don't have a great knowledge concerning it, I'll just leave it for you to test out and try for yourself.

Watering

Keep the soil moist around the roots area, this will prevent wilting of the tomatoes. As a general rule use about 1/2 inch water twice a week during dry periods. When you water your plant, make sure you give your plants enough time before nightfall. It will prevent a number of problems. That's all there is too it, go on, get some tomato plants and start planting. Another thing, you can grow tomatoes anytime during the year, yes, it is possible to grow them inside, but it takes a lot of time, a nice big pot, and luck, but it isn't impossible.