Hello all,
First time gardener and of course I have missed spring. =)

I am in zone 9 and my winter temperatures will reach about 32F-35F.
My questions are is it too late to start planting them? Ive read that although they are winter plants you need to start early to give them some time before its gets too cold.
Also are carrots a good starting place or is there a better vegetable to start with?
Do I need a raise bed?
Can I start from seed in the ground or do I need to get one of those plastic trays and start the carrots in there and then move them to the yard?

Any advice appreciated.