I recommend raised beds for the veg. You won’t need to bend so much, plus you can build up good quality top soul with composting, worms, etc - not sure where exactly you are, but Aussie soils are generally a bit rough for veg.
See if you can get hold of some ‘good bug garden’ seeds, which you plant everywhere - these plants attract the bugs you want hanging around your garden so they take care of the pests!
RE: Homesteading : Reclaiming our views