There’s a learning curve with gardening. Some plant varieties will grow in your climate and soil, others won’t.
Also, some plants that look really good in the seed catalog, turn out to need babied to produce anything, while others can be neglected and in poor soil and still turn out a respectable harvest. It’s better to find out which is which now.
I know a lot can be done with just improving the soil, but I’m of the opinion that, in order to be considered for the survival garden, a plant has got to be willing to meet me halfway!