new at growing

That all depends on what you call NW, Washington & Oregon states on the West side of the mountains are way different than the eastern side. Northern Washington is much different than Southern I'd imagine. The best place to ask questions are your local County Extension Agency should have a Master Gardeners program, and local garden centers (not the garden department at the local walmart or something unless they accidentally hired someone who has local gardening experience) are places to ask around, but always ask several places, not just one or two, get a consensus of opinions ;-)

When to start plants depends on where you live, what kind of growing conditions you have in your yard. Although it's going to change as the season progresses as to how MUCH time each area in your yard gets sun, but start paying attention to what areas get more light than others,

Read plant labels browse greenhouses, talk to the people there, take a walk around your neighborhood and if you see yards where there is gardening going on, stop by and introduce yourself, ask if they're the gardener of the house, and explain you're new and you admire something they're doing and ask questions and let them tell you. Most gardeners love talking about their gardens. You might find some who are crabby, but don't let that stop you if it's the first one. Most are happy to talk about their gardens. You'll learn, and most likely you'll make some new friends, and get some free plants ;-) Most of us end up with too many plants when it's time to divide plants and so give or trade plants!

Janice