My 3' high wire fence and gate around mine worked out well for me. Keeps lots of critters and deer from wrecking things. Don't use artificial fertilizers - esp. miracle grow. These push too much "new" type leaf growth and end up attracting bugs. Fish emulsion is good fert. Compost pile is a great idea to continue building soil. Will make your trash less smelly too. Don't add your lawn clippings if you use lots of bad chemicals on your lawn - you will eat the chemicals that way. Rotate where different veggies are grown each year. Keep tobacco products away from tomatoes and wash hands before gardening if you smoke - tobacco smut virus. One of the best things I ever did was buy this small soaker hose, about 3/8" O.D. diameter. I put a run of it under each raised row and keep about 4-5 psi. on it all summer. I never have to water garden. If it gets really wet from rain I shut it off for a few days. Top watering with sprinklers contributes to a lot of plant desease. Test soil to see how much lime you need. I would rent something to dig out area of gravel . I would frequent the forums at
http://www.gardenweb.com as that site can't be beat for this stuff.