The first thing we do is try to clean up the area as much as we can of the large weeds. David built two 3x10' beds yesterday. The wood we use is untreated Douglas Fir, which is processed locally. We do not use pressure treated wood because of the chemicals used in the process.
David cuts the wood to the appropriate size and then places it where the bed will be.
Then he screws them together.
There's the raised bed. 
The next step is to place cardboard (US made, stay away from cardboard from China), and/or newspaper (no colored paper) over the ground and then put the raised bed over that. Putting something over the dirt suppresses the weeds. It will decompose with time.
The dirt comes next. The garden soil we ordered consists of 60% peat, 20% compost, and 20% aged sterilized horse manure. This is well seasoned soil and no, it doesn't smell.
It's a few steps, but a lot of work as well. These beds take a lot of dirt. 
After the bed has been filled and sat for a day or two, it's time to plant. This bed was filled up last weekend and I planted lettuce starts yesterday. The garden takes a lot of work, but it is rewarding work. It's also therapeutic. Every muscle in the body is used, and the mind is constantly working. There is always something new to learn, and things to relearn. For two years we have been doing a "share garden" with Susan and other friends, so we have good help and lots of fresh produce for many. As I told David not long ago, I feel like I'm connected here in the garden, which is a wonderful way to feel.
TTFN
Sue
Well done, nice directions. And a very inviting garden, I can see how it brings such pleasure to you.
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