Looks like you have a plan that's pretty good.

I think the soil sounds fine.

I live in TN,so we have simmilar climates. I usuall plant in April, but usually towards the end because sometimes we do have a cold spell in April that can kill young seedlings. I usually plant directly into the ground, but often times several of the sprouts get killed by bugs and such, so if you have high dollar seeds I would get them established in a pot, and then transplant them into the ground.

Keep us posted about your results.

Peace