How exciting! You're in for a life-changing adventure, Karen.
Before you even choose your seeds, start with a soil test, then follow the suggestions for amending your soil based on the results of your test. Pay special attention to the pH of your soil, since soil that's too acidic or alkaline will limit the availability of nutrients to your crops.
As for the easiest crops: I'd suggest leaf lettuce, bush beans, snap peas, carrots, beets, and summer squash or zucchini. Most gardeners grow tomatoes. "Little leaf" cucumber is good for beginners; it takes very little space, produces huge crops pf pickling cukes, and resists both the nasty cucumber beetle and most cucumber diseases. Like herbs for seasoning? Parsley, basil, dill, and cilantro are very easy.
Start small with the crops you like best. Visit the garden every day to observe what's going on there. Celebrate your harvest and build on your success next year.
Every plant in nature is susceptible to various diseases and insect pests and sometimes to rodents and larger mammals (woodchucks, skunks, deer, dogs, human vandals). As part of your adventure, you'll eventually learn about them and ways to prevent or limit the damage.
I'd suggest making friends with some veteran gardeners in your area, too. Gardening is somewhat like parenthood--some new question comes up almost daily, and it's great to have a voice of experience close at hand. Most states have a Master Gardener program or a toll-free home-and-garden info line (usually operated through the local Cooperative Extension program) with experienced gardeners on hand to answer your gardening questions.
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