Some Basics:

Grow items you like or need. If you don't like zuccini then grow tomatoes. If yo like eggplant then fdon't grow corn. It's petty simple.

Also don't start on a large garden. Start small for the first year. most back yard gardeners save a lot of money on their food bill. but if you have to buy a lot of materiels to make your garden "the perfect garden." That cost is offset. If you start small the cost is much less and you're more likly to enjoy the gradual change.

Make sure you can handel the garden. Let's face it a lot of people (myself included) have been sitting on the couch watching reruns of some dancing or singing talent show, and haven't done much exercise. Working in a garden can be hard work. It's kind of like going to the gym. Start slow and you should be able to make the most of time and exercise. If you have any doubts check with your doctor.

Planning the Garden:

Planting a garden takes time and planning. Once you've picked out the vegatibles/fruits you want to grow, you'll need to prepare the area and the soil. If you have problems with animals like deer, rabbits, racoons, dogs, squirrls, various critters. (including theiving neighbors) You may have to fence off your garden. Nows the best time to do it.

On paper lay out your garden. It's best to start with a plan If you need to fence in your garden you want to make sure everything you want to grow will fit. Read the directions on the plants you plan to grow and see how much room they'll need. Once you've done that you can layout your garden plan.

If the soil hasn't been worked in a long time, you'll have to till it up maybe mix in some organic matter like potting soil, manure or peat moss. Breaking up the dirt will give your plants a better chance to grow.

Now you can plant.

Here's a sample plan for a home garden.