Take a couple afternoons to go visit the main plant nurseries in your local area - they should have books you can use for reference, staff that can answer questions and even the right varieties of plants for your altitude and zone. Some of them will even offer to help plan out your garden for you for free in the hopes that you will purchase your supplies and plants from them.

One other tip I have learned along the way - whenever possible, buy your seedlings locally rather than online! They're already acclimated to your particular area and aren't in shock from being shipped from some other zone, hence are much more likely to do something useful like...live. ;-)

Good luck!