Yes I think the garden layout we talked about would work well for the space you described. If you start with the raised beds along the south side you will get the most sunlight throughout the day. The soil there should be fine after a little turning and some compost mixed in. I would go with tomatoes and peppers on that side since they need the most warmth. For the shaded part near the fence you could put in some leafy greens and herbs. They will do fine with partial light. I have found that watering in the early morning helps prevent the leaves from burning. You might also want to put down a layer of mulch to keep the moisture in during the hotter weeks. If you decide to add a small path down the middle with stepping stones it makes it easier to reach everything without stepping on the soil. Let me know if you want help picking out the plants or if you need a hand turning the soil one weekend. I can bring some extra tools if needed.

I think the best approach for the porch project is to start with the flooring first before doing any painting or trim work. That way you avoid having to move things around later. If you go with the composite decking you will not have to stain or seal it every couple of years. I used a similar material on my back porch two summers ago and it still looks like new. Just a quick wash with the hose and it is clean. For the railing you might want to consider a cable system. It keeps the view open and does not block the sunlight. I know a supplier that sells the kits at a reasonable price and they include all the hardware you need. The installation is straightforward if you have a drill and a level. We could knock it out in a weekend if the weather cooperates. Let me know what you think about the materials and we can make a plan.