Greeneyes has given you an excellent list in post #17
Your success at gardening is dependent upon your horticulture zone location, altitude, climate, soil type, plant selection, etc., etc.
Also, how much time you are willing to devote for success, and how much information you can glean from others who are successful gardeners in your geographic area.
A good source might be to contact your local Co-Operative Extension Office, and/ or Farm Bureau.
A soil analysis would be a good start to see the condition of your soil, and determine which soil amendments you could add to increase fertility and production.
Hey TIK, long time no read!