I agree with Beth_B, you have found a great website right here!
If you already know your hardiness zone, then you can enter it in your user profile page (
here) If you don't know your zone, click the green 6 telling you my hardiness zone, and it will take you to a map.
Personally, I like to know hardiness zone, and
where you live,
partly because I believe insects would vary from place to place. It might make it easier for someone to "name that pest."
(
And partly because I am a very curious person!
)
Not knowing what tools you already have... I guess it depends on the size of your garden, and how much hard labor you're willing to do.
Hmm... a shovel, rake, and trowel would be my bare minimum. You'll probably want a wheelbarrow or small yard cart. Some kind of padding to put under your knees (or sit on) when planting or weeding. Maybe a rototiller, or a mini-tiller. Some people might like a hoe, but I like my cultivator better. (I tried the garden weasel, but I'm too short to use it comfortably.
It lives in the shed.)
My cultivator is like this one.
The only other thing I can think of - if you like to read, I highly recommend
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening and Landscaping Techniques.
Welcome to the forum!