tips for starting my first vegetable garden?

Thanks to all the flutherites who helped me with this question , I finally got my own little plot in a community garden near my house! I’m in California, so i can plant during the fall/winter . I’ve been told that I can grow carrots, beets, swiss chard, kale, this time of year. Before I start, any tips? I’m debating between using starters or growing from seed. what else should I know?