As a master gardener I concur with the list but would add get a soil sample and test done before any seed or seedling touches the ground. Soil is a key ingredient. A soil test can be usually done through your local extension office. It is 12 bucks here.
Two fundamental rules in plant problem diagnosis. 1. Look up. Proper amount of light needed for the plant. 2. Look down. Is the soil at the correct ph for the specific plant. What are the elemental needs of the plant compared to the soil. This is why you do a soil test if you have never grown anything in the area/
A humorous picture. Using discarded sinks and such to use as planters. I had a neighbor that got into a urinating contest with the local city council on zoning. A plumber by trade .. he lined his property with a 100 toilets and planted flowers in each one. Eclectic ... in the eye of the beholder. I thought it rather funny ... City council was fit to be tied .. as usual they were the laughingstock of the community. (It seems govt always is)
We’ve had local ‘wars’ like that, too. Usually its the Hippies in-town that are too lazy to mow their lawns. They claim they’re turning it back to its original ‘prairie’ condition. *Rolleyes*
Soil testing is good, though I’ve never done it. We are blessed with good dirt in my area. I just keep adding manure and mulch every year, and fertilize individual plants with Manure or Compost Tea.