Definitely start off plants inside before moving them outside -- generally I think you're supposed to harden them off for a week or two first, ie. take them outside for a few hours on a sunny day (say a weekend) & try to do that as much as possible before you leave them out all day (while at work, etc.) & eventually move them out for good. Oh, & when you start off seeds inside, it can be good to put some plastic over them -- not covering them completely w/no airflow (they'll get moldy), but say... I dunno, like I've used plastic bags that Ikea stuff came wrapped in to cover trays (by which I mean margarine containers) filled w/toilet paper roll seed pots. You could fasten 'em down at one or two corners to keep them on but not make them airtight. Helps keep the moisture in/keep the seeds a little warmer.

Marigolds were pretty easy for me. I am totally blanking on the names of the other flowers I've grown, though. ;___; Lots of salad greens & herbs are pretty easy -- I like sorrel a lot, & have grown basil & stuff. Um, chives are really easy, but I assume you can't eat those either (though the blossoms are super-pretty, & then you could give them to friends to do something w/maybe?).

String beans are supposed to be pretty easy, too -- I've grown some -- & you can get varieties especially for small spaces. I had decent luck getting edamame to grow, but I dunno how well it's suited for your climate.

Um. More if/when I remember useful things. ;___;