The one bit of advice you rarely hear is:
When you get it, stand back and have a long look at the plot first. I just know you want to get in there, but sometimes a bit of forethought goes a long way. See which way the plot runs (north to south or east to west so you can eventually plan where to put structures such as bean poles and sheds, or is it on a hill and does it slope off to one side?), where the sheltered part of the plot is and during this horrible wet weather, its perfect for checking out boggy bits - not so good for winter crops which might have to sit in it. I hate to say this, but it has most likely not been cultivated for at least 12 months so there'll be a crop of perenial weeds (apart from those that die back in winter such as bindweed) to inspect which is also a rough indication of soil type eg pH, and whether it is sandy, stony or clay soil, and how much (if any) rubbish needs to be cleared.
After depressing yourself immensely at this point, that's the hardest part over and done with.
It can only improve because you now have an idea of how to go about things (as mentioned in earlier posts) and even start to plan. I'd also suggest:
1. Wear suitable clothes (for both weather and the muck!) and most important, proper boots or wellies! Perhaps gardening gloves (with leather bits on the palm & fingers to protect against thorns if you have bramble on the plot to dig up)
2. Invest in some decent tools if you don't have any - cheap ones don't last (handles break off, spade bit or fork prongs bend or fall off etc) A spade and fork are a must, but you'll soon be dazzled by all the other ones which seem a good idea at the time. Eventually you may end up with a hoe, rake, hand trowel, dibber, twine and some sort of gardener's knife (or a sharp penknife or nick one of the kitchen knives - :shock: did I say that?) as you go along. Before you know it you'll have built up a decent toolbox suitable for YOUR plot!
3. And finally I like something to sit on - handy when you need a break, to just sit and ponder on the next task or a place to relax
Sorry, just realised how much I've typed :roll: