We are 6a (IIRC). I'm still working on the cold stuff...I don't like to rush it, and hauling dozens of frost sensitive plants in pots in and out of the house every morning/night gets old fast. The weather here has been SO warm, I am tempted to start tomatoes and peppers...but, I won't. Currently tending peas, cabbage, spinach, and lots of lettuce. Several herbs are up as well, and I always have a fair amount of biennial/perennial hangovers.
I grow nearly everything in pots. We have Bermuda grass - and I prefer to pick my battles! For anyone who likes growing in pots, check out Larry Hall's Rain gutter grow system videos. The gutter is used as a water resevoir for the pots. I have several gutter lines going...so far, I really like them. Cheap and easy DIY.