I have some answers to questions!
Time of year to plant: depends on where you live. Plant outside after the last freeze... normally there is a rule of thumb in your area. For us, it's Mother's Day which would be too late for many of you. If you are unsure, look on the seed packets or plant sticks (plastic things that tell you what you are buying) and it should tell you what zone the plant is. If you are still unsure, go online and look up climate zones.
In addition, i have found that "walls of water" (found at nurseries or Home Depot) or gallon milk jugs work great for covering your little plants and keep them from those late frosts. They work like green houses.
What to plant where: Tomatoes love the sun! Make sure they get a good afternoon sun. Tomatos grow very well in large pots barrels. Make sure to stake them. Cucumbers and other vining vegies (zuccinni, squash, pumpkins) like it a bit cooler, consistant moisture to soil (not too wet mind you). Morning/early day sun with afternoon shade is best for them.
Herbs tolerate just about anything but I do suggest containing them in pots or barrels as they will spread like weeds! No matter how many times you till up the dirt, those peppermint plants will keep coming back!
If bugs are an issue, plant marigolds around your plants. It's a natural bug deterant.
Make sure to stake/fence tall vining vegies such as your tomatos, peas, green beans, etc. If you plan on growing ground vining vegies, they like a mound to start on.
Don't overwater your root vegies as they won't grow in order to seek water in the ground. Make sense? A root grows down in order to seek water. If they are getting watered regularly, they wont seek that water, hence, small carrots, beets, onions, and potatos.
Tips on tomatoes: Once your plant is in the ground, remove the few bottom leaves and cover the stem with more dirt. Continue this a couple more times as your plants grow. This will give you a bigger, robust plant capbable of holding those gorgous tomatos!
Dirt: I highly recommend getting some cow manure and mixing it in with your vegies. Yes, it's god awful smelling, but it goes away after a few days.
Dig deep! Let me clarify this. Your plants only need to be planted so deep, but working the soil deeper will allow the roots to grow better especially.....
if you have that nasty clay like substance that is considered earth in your yard. It is best to add top soil, clay buster, manure, etc to your "clay" and work it in.
If you are fortunate enough to live in that part of the world with great soil, then the above info does not pertain to you and the rest of us resent you!
Till/turn the dirt around your vegies often. Dig up those weeds so they don't strangle out your garden.
Miracle grow is just that! Get some!
Watch for bugs and inconsistancy in watering. Gardens don't grow well on their own. They need TLC.
Ok, I am done for now!