Most of the important aspects had been covered in other messages. From me, choose the plant carefully. A new tank need the fast growing, hard to kill types. In the initial stage, nirate would rise up and this problem can be addressed by adding fast growing plants. Hygrophila difformis, Cabomba caroliana are my old favorites. Easy to obtain too. Later went the tank started to mature, more difficult plant may be added. As a general rule, redder the plant, more light is needed. And.... do your own experiment. Some may not believe in CO2 injection (I do!), but give it a shot. Check out how to prepare you own yeast culture.Add some floating plants too, to cut down on the light . And one more thing, keep the fish stock low.
(Peter Bradley writes excellent articles in Practical Fishkeeping, March 2002)

p/s: Anyone who's into planted tank should check Amano's work (plus AGA Aquqscaping Contest) for ideas.