for the garden layout question, I think raised beds are the way to go if you have limited space. they give you better control over soil quality and drainage and they warm up faster in the spring so you can plant a bit earlier. I would suggest making each bed no wider than four feet so you can reach the middle from both sides without stepping on the soil. length can be whatever fits your space but eight to twelve feet is common. leave at least two feet between beds for a path. most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct light so put the beds in the sunniest part of your yard. also consider placing them near a water source because hauling a hose gets old fast. you can add a simple drip irrigation system on a timer to make watering easier. start with things like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. they are forgiving for beginners and produce well. rotate your crops each year to keep the soil healthy and prevent disease buildup. add compost each season and you will see a big difference in your yields.