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First, you should check the soil to make sure you have good drainage and to find out what soil texture you have. It's also good to get a pH test, or a few on different areas of your property. There are usually DIY versions of each of these tests, or you can send them to your local extension service or a lab for analysis. Then, you can correct any problems and choose plants that are appropriate for your site.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-texture-jar-test.htm

The best time to plant shrubs is in fall, but they can also be planted in spring if necessary. Other plants such as flowers and herbs can be planted in spring, usually after the last frost date in your area, but it's best to look up the planting date for each variety you get.

Here are some other articles that might help:

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https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/how-to-build-a-flower-bed-starting-a-flower-bed-from-scratch.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/shaping-the-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/how-to-kill-grass-naturally-kill-unwanted-grass-in-your-yard.htm

It works better in the summer, but you should have some success over winter too. Clear plastic works best.

It will kill beneficial bacteria ONLY in that spot. This means that once the plastic is removed, they will return from surrounding areas. Worms will not stick around to get hot. They will go elsewhere until the plastic is lifted as well.

This is a very safe and effective way to prepare a garden spot.

You can! In nature, plants will grow without human intervention and, usually, wherever the seed lands.

Garden preparation and soil amendments will, just , allow you to get more out of your garden.

This collection of articles will offer more useful information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/edible/vegetables/vgen

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/edible/vegetables/vgen

You need to analyze your yard characteristics such as where sun falls in the yard, do you have part shade, shade, full sun or a combination? What kind of soil do you have? Does it need amendments? What combination of plants do you desire, such as evergreen for the backbone of the design, then fill in with foliage and blooming plants? Also, read all you can about landscape design so you can avoid common mistakes.

These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/growing-plants-for-curb-appeal.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/flower-gardening-basics.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/symmetry-in-landscaping.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/how-plants-can-transform-a-space.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/learn-to-plant-a-basic-english-cottage-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/landscape-design-problems.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/working-in-rocky-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/weed-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/raised-beds-for-urban-settings-no-digging-required.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/making-unframed-raised-beds.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/building-a-berm-how-do-i-make-a-berm.htm

The soil needs to be reasonably warm, as it is now, but you don't want to drown the small roots of your seedlings. I would get them in as soon as you have a dry day, and hope for the best.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/excessive-rain-on-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/rain-knocking-down-plants.htm