How to get a garden back in order?

The garden outside my house has 7 larger plants in it. They are good plants but the garden it out of hand with weeds. We have never been much of a gardening family but i really want to fix up the garden over the summer. and as soon a possible. When i have tried to rip out weeds and such, the dirt looks almost worst. Would i have to mulch it? I would like it to cost a least as possible! please help! any ideas of what to add to the garden or how to fix it!! thanks!!