Consider fencing in with plastic fencing,and some bird netting over the top.Also, away from the garden flip some grass and plant some type of fast growing crop to attract critters.Set up a trap in that location to reduce your critter population. If you don't have chickens encourage raptors to the area to eat up the critters that will eat your crops.
We have lots of critters but so far the above mentioned things have helped.
Keep checking craigs for deals.They do crop up,and then you can spend more on soil and seeds.Might be able to get free pallet wood and can build with that.
Plant your trees and shurbs the first year.I wish I had,and would have fruits by now.