How to: vegetable/herb garden.?

I have no idea how to start, care, and maintain a vegetable and herb garden but I want to because I want to learn how! What I'll mainly be growing are strawberries, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, egg plants, onions, garlic, parsley, rosemary, chives, bay leaves and oregano. I plan on growing them in individual pots raised above the ground because the soil in my yard isn't so great. What kind of soil should I put in the pots for the vegetables and herbs? Should I water them everyday? How can I repel insects and bugs from destroying and eating them? How do I prevent weed from growing with them? Also, how can I make them taste good (haha)? I heard that if you put sugar in the soil, it'll make the vegetables taste more sweet. I really want to make my garden happen, please help me out! If there's also any other concerns I should be informed, please tell! Thank you! Oh, I live in San Diego so I have no idea if some of the vegetables/herbs I've named are able to grow in this climate.