I don't really have any advice as we are still pretty much growing novices ourselves! We did a lot of container growing at previous homes, but in every case, we could put BIG pots out on our deck or front stoop to get plenty of sun. We did well with tomatoes (we needed to fertilize), peppers, strawberries and lettuce (in the shade - NC is too hot in the sun).

And even though it may not be cost effective at the moment, I whole heartedly agree that learning to grow is a vital skill, whether or not your harvests are ideal. Yes, it may be easier and cheaper to buy organic at the grocery store - but that's not taking into consideration the knowledge you are building or the skills you are developing. Those things are priceless right now and even moreso someday when those organic grocery stores aren't there any more. And if you do one day aspire to your own little place like we have, those skills will come in VERY handy!