Question
Hi Tom, my name is Nick.  I'd like to buy some seeds so that I can quickly and easily grow some food in the event that the national food supply system breaks down.

I have no dirt in my small back area, so it will have to be in pots.  There's only one or two hours of direct sunlight there but it's suprisingly well lit.

I'm thinking sprouts and beans would be best to have on hand but can't find info on the net.  Can you suggest fast-growing food seeds I can have on hand, just in case?

Thanks in advance,

Nick

Answer
Hi Nick,
You face a formidable problem with only 2 hours of sunlight.  That's really not enough to effectively grow vegetables.  Now, if it is diffused sunlight or partial shade there are things that will grow but they do not produce abundantly because almost every vegetable I know requires some direct sunlight (about 6-8 hours) to grow effectively.  Many lettuces, spinach and other greens will grow in the partial shade and will grow rather well.  I'd stay away from heading lettuces and go for leafy lettuces that are better for you and lower in the cellulose that makes head lettuce crispy.  Beans require lots of sunlight.  Peppers and tomatoes will grow in partial shade but they set a lot less fruit when not exposed to direct sunlight. Those are the quick growers.  Radishes are quick growers and you could grow them in pots.  I have grown summer squash in partial shade.   They grow less fruit but they do produce and you can plant them in large pots.  I hope this helps.
Tom