Hello Cynthia,
I concur with the rest of the posters regarding the landscape fabric, especially in a vegetable garden. Here is a link for you from your Alabama University system. Most states universities are wonderful resources for agriculture and horticultural help (indeed on many topics).
http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/...
Also check out your local library, most have a good selection of materials on all topics relating to gardens and landscaping (and free!). Local garden groups and gatherings are a great way to meet people that share similar interests and in all my years on this earth I have yet to meet a gardener that didn't like to share information about their passion for gardening.
The one tip I can give you that applies no matter where you live is to enjoy your journey and if you take care of the soil, the soil will take care of you.
