Food costs, oy

Food costs seem to be going up, up up. At least that seems to be the case where I live. Out here on the west coast. Since the weather is nicer out here I am thinking of starting a patio garden. Supposedly there are some things you can start growing in December here in So. Cal. I figure that is a good way to lower my food costs. But I have never done anything like this before. So it could be rather tragic!