I am a developer and I have liked biology ( Mainly Botany) & chemistry since my childhood. I was doing a lot of "experiments" in my early teens.. I want to get started with Biochemistry (I am more interested in "hands-on") as a hobby. I want to explore how plants work, chemical processes that trigger certain functions in plants, etc.

Ultimately I want to learn how to create genetically modified plants which produce more, resistant to bugs & diseases etc. I don't know if I Biochem is what I should learn If I want to do above things.

Any pointers on how to get started, what books to read, what equipment to buy so that I can have my "ah-ha" ( Like writing your first program that adds two numbers) moment with Biochem?

Thanks.