A lot of responses here! I live in a small town in northwestern Ohio. Usually we get freezing winters and burning summers here, but this year the Winter has been so mild I had my rosemary shrub still intact after sitting outside for months.
I'm in zone 5b. I really like the suggestions for a worm bin and growing mushrooms. Though I realize that growing plants in indoor pots can be trickier than it seems due to needing specific conditions such as extra lights. But some herbs may thrive without supplemental lights and feeding. Many of my veggies fit in the garden, but it may be useful to have some in the house, too. So I could go for small tray pots of herbs like parsley, garlic, and oregano while keeping a small worm bin around.
Also I need to watch my cats as they have a tendency to knock stuff over or clim up on things they shouldn't. Mmmm, maybe someone has advice on cats place in a permaculture system?