Help a newbie please!

[Beauchamp]

We just moved into a small rental apartment above a friend's garage. They have four garden beds (maybe 6'x4'? each) that they said I have full use of. Currently they're filled with weeds. Each box has its own water supply. They get partial sun. We're in between Sacramento and San Francisco.

I hope to grow something, but don't really know how to start, and with two kids I don't have a ton of time to read gardening books. Do I buy seeds or plants already started? What veggies or fruits are fairly easy and forgiving or hardy for a novice like me to have some success?

Any advice or thoughts would be great. Thanks!

[FarmerBeth]

I'd try a little of both seeds and transplants.  Radishes are very easy to grow just about anywhere.  When my kids were little and I was short on gardening time, I always liked salad greens (like lettuces) and radishes to see quick results.  Transplanted tomatoes are very easy if you get them started from the greenhouse as tomatoes have few pests.  Peppers are also easy and fun.  Strawberries bought at the point they are already producing berries give some instant gratification and would work in your climate.  And for fun, edible flowers like nasturtiums add nice color and can be bought from transplant.  I don't have too many other suggestions because I'm not blessed with living in your warm climate, so I'm not sure of some plants that work for me here (USDA zone 6a) not working with the heat in your region.

[MonarchMom]

Snow peas are easy for kids to do since the seeds are large (they are dried peas) so planting goes quickly.  And they are pretty vines and flowers, and can be eaten right in the garden!