Many plants can grow in pretty any much substrate — even just water — as well. The main issue, assuming the temperature is right, that stunts plant growth just

Many plants can grow in pretty any much substrate — even just water — as well. The main issue, assuming the temperature is right, that stunts plant growth just anywhere is that usually there is not enough consistent water, and then eventually the lack of nutrients once the the plant uses its reserves from a seed. The reason we use soil is because as a substrate, it holds water and nutrients just at the right amount where you don’t have to go out and water it every 5 minutes. But if you find any pocket made of any material, even a fold of your skin, threw a seed in, and kept it moist by hand, you could grow cherry tomatoes.