Even if you are not starting from seed this year; get yourself a copy of the catalog from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds by following this
link . It's FREE, and it is stunning. You can order the BEST book on seed saving from them (although you can probably find it at any major bookseller)...it is called 'Seed to Seed' by Suzanne Ashworth. Do a search on 'seed shelf life', and you will get several sites that list the 'shelf life' of various seeds. Potatoes would do quite well in your area, geographically speaking...I do well with them, and I am north of you. Since I am in a short-season area like you and I specialize in hot peppers; I do a lot of 'container gardening'. There will be plenty of Freepers who maintain traditional gardens along with their input shortly; I'm sure. Everyone is always happy to help new gardeners...best of luck!
Thank you very, very, much. (Also-thanks for ignoring the typos-keyboard battery was going dead and I didn’t notice).