Try googling Low tech Planted tank. They are beautiful, great for beginners. I started a Moss, fern driftwood scape with great satisfaction and learnt alot from then on.
There are substrates for plants (earth based) or inerts gravels for low maintainence plants. If you are not intending to go into high lights and co2, just start with river sand/gravel. Low maintainence tank do not require much fertilising except a monthly dose of carbon nutrients (Seachem. Flourish Excel). Dosing without experience will risk ending up with a tank of algaes.