Gardening Prep?

First, Thanks to my two new followers!  CDP had not yet notified me that I was registered, but now let's get started!

I know that it doesn't look like a gardening prep area at the moment.

I am a frustrated mid-westerner trying to grow flowers from my childhood in a climate not quite suited to it.

I tried starting my own seedlings last year, but the growing season is too short, and many of my plants were damaged by a late snow storm.

An organic farmer that  know suggested starting the seeds indoors in my basement.  This will require significant lighting, but anything to get my flowers started.  Once I get my 'indoor farming' setup I'll share it with you.