Your county extension office and/or local Master Gardeners could provide you with a wealth of information. That's what they're there for and they'll love the opportunity to educate you in any way. That's there purpose.

Growing from seed is rewarding, and they grow pretty quickly. They'll catch up to plants that you could buy at a nursery right now.

Your soil conditions and water are the most crucial factors. If you grow in pots, you'll have to water and fertilize more often than if you grow in ground.

For tomatoes, you can also grow the upside-down tomatoes in hanging baskets. They're great for patios and porches that get a lot of sun. You just cut a small hole in the bottom of a hanging basket and put the plant roots in the hole, with the plant hanging out from the bottom. Then fill the pot with soil. You can even add basil or thyme in the top part of the pot.

Also MULCH is your friend. Pine needles, glass clippings or bags of mulch will help your garden retain moisture and helps keep out the weeds. You can also use it in potted plants.

Good luck with your first garden. It's so much fun to grow your own food. My favorite thing is cherry tomatoes. I plant several of them around my yard so when I'm out working, I can snatch a few "cherries" and eat them right there, all warmed from the sun. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.