I don't know haw big of agarden you want but just a few tomato plants grow very good in a flower bed or planter. I like the German Johnson or other low acid varity and grow 6 plants (all my family and neighbors can eat) in a 6x6 planter mixed with bagged top soil yard dirt and ashes from the fire place.
Mulch is great wheat or oat straw, even old hay works great and does not cost much.