Growing Outdoors In Northeastern US

So it's my first grow, and i've done a whole bunch of reading on outdoor growing for climates similar to mine, but i'd still like to hear from people personally who have grown in the NE US or climates similar to it.

What are some basic rules to follow and what are some specialized tips for growing in this specific area? So far I know to plant in early/mid May, let nature do a lot of the work other than fertilizing and possibly lime in your future-planting soil 3 weeks before planting (?), and to harvest when the hairs on the buds are about 50%-75% brown.

But in particular, i'm having trouble finding a consistent method for drying the heads once they're harvested...i've heard everything from just folding a tarp over the buds, to letting them hang upside-down in a well-ventilated shed. I don't have access to indoor drying, so do you guys have any suggestions?

Also, common problems encounted while growing in this area/type of climate and how to prevent them/fix them if they can't be prevented would be very much appreciated! Thanks guys!