Suburban Farming / Gardening

I REALLY want to do this. I need to put together a plan and get all my supplies together. ( So far I've read this book " Square Foot Gardening" and have decided to start with 2 4 ft x 4 ft boxes. Home Depot did not have all the kind of supplies I need for the soil so I'll have to expand my horizons. My cousin R is a great gardener.... I hope she can give me some tips to get going this spring ....