Start writing simple programs yourself and use the excellent PHP Manual + Google. That 's the best way.
I agree. Make sure that you want to create something you don't know how. It is when you get into problems and get stuck when you learn the most.
You should define learn fast first. IMO, if you know nothing about it ( PHP ), start from the basics - W3Schools.
I suggesst you first make a simple site (no mysql connection) which reades and saves smt content to file. Add mysql connection/database to this. After the, learn cookies, login/logut/edit profile. Then you add url rewrite to have nice url. In the end read Zend certificate book, i really recommend it.
Learn the basics from W3Schools. This is the best way. After that, try make your own CMS or scripts you like, and thats the best way
video tutorials from lynda.com , very effective. Just make sure you are not just watching it, do the exercises provided. After that try making one website with the things you learned.