I live in TN, so I'm pretty close to you. Here is what I do.

Turn the soil in the beggining of April and add some 3-4 month time released 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Plant in mid-late April (directly in the ground). I do it near a creek bed, so I have a water supply near by, plus the soil is not as much clay, and has some sand in it.

Care for them through the dry summer. Also, topp them a few time to bush them out.

In August add some 2 month time released bloom ferts.

Continue to care for them as they flower.

Sometime between the end on Sept. and the begging of Nov. they will be ready to harvest.