Making a veggie garden.. need advice?

A decent potting mix should not need any other additives except nutrients.  You can make your own potting soil by mixing top soil, peat moss, and vermiculite/perlite.  When you buy fertilizer, you are buying NPK.  You can buy real fertilizer for about 50 cents per pound of nutrient.  A lot of designer fertilizers may cost you up to $50 per pound of nutrient.

Thanks Mr 357 ended up finding a potting mix with feed in it so lasts about 5 months so happy with that! Set up the raised garden bed and things growing well so far been about 5 days :) thanks!

You don’t mention what sort of space you’re cultivating in.  I’m assuming it’s a patch of soil outside?  Most of gardening is about where the sun falls on your garden - the aspect.  Cultivate the soil by digging, raking and hoeing to obtain a fine tilth.  If your soil is lacking in some way, dig in organic green compost, or soil improver.  Start a compost heep if you have space (and the inclination).  You learn by doing especially with regards your particular set up.  If you use horse manure make sure it’s well rotted (2 years).  Watering is important obviously so make sure you have an accessible water supply.  Take note of what pests you encounter and the best way to tackle them.