Because you don’t know what you’re dealing with, starting with plants in pots sounds like a good idea...that’s how I started. Perhaps a good idea would be to spend the summer building up a good compost pile that will help with that clay soil. Ever hear of “lasagna beds”? Having made several, I heartily recommend them.
All of my gardens are raised (4), not long, not real wide, just about 2/1/2’ x 8’ and one that is 2/1/2’ x 16 feet. We’re going to put another together for next season, TX, and it’s going to be layered. I have lots of shredded paper and will use it too. Last night dinner was from out garden..squash, radishes, peas, lettuce. No asparagus, one of my favorites.