Yeah, I was in Nebraska, not as bad as in the south (I've lived in central Arkansas, so I know
when I see it ), but certainly not as nice as here. Even so, I just couldn't get myself out there to tend when true summer hit.
Are you planting near the house or away? That's one of the mistakes I made- after a while, I just didn't want to lug everything out to the back of the yard.
My SO has been very successful growing container gardens in large planters- tomatoes, strawberries, onions, carrots, lettuce, even a (literally 1) jalapeno. I made her try corn once (in honor of her Nebraskan hertitage), and we ended up with the saddest corn ever. Note: 4 corn plants will not produce seed well. They'll produce ears, and cause you to get all excited, but they are just fooling you.
I guess I can't blame them, they looked so lonely in their little pots.
Good Luck! I think you have the best idea- start small and grow.
p.s.- don't forget the zucchini and yellow squash. mmmmm I just love them grilled!