I just purchased cedar planks from a local home improvement store and made raised beds.
I'm also in 8b. I'm not sure if you have a University near you that specialized in Agriculture or Farming, but I've found them to be a very specific, localized wealth of info. For example, Here is a link to the University of Florida site I have used for info:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021
It helps me narrow down planting times, types that I may want to plant, and I think focuses a little bit more on what I should be putting in my area. Since I'm so new.. I don't really know all the different varieties and it gave me something to look for when buying seeds.
I've had great luck with tomatoes and cucumbers... specifically tons and tons of cherry tomatoes. Pole and bush beans are easy enough.
I've been doing some manual upkeep for caterpillars and fertilizing with fish emulsion or compost from my worm bin... but I have a pretty minimal approach and am pretty stoked that it has been going so well.
It is definitely a learning process.. I'm sure there must be some great blogs too, just none that I'm familiar with. For right now, I'm winging it. lol
