Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated. Seeing things grow is magical, especially when you were brought up in an environment where you were not introduced to it.
I am living in South Africa, Cape Town, so our weather is year-round hot and rainy, so I just plant them directly. (Same with my peppers and herbs.) I don't know your weather. Maybe if it is not cold outside? Otherwise, start at spring, they go to seed in I think 80 days. I am following back! Post some of your progress :)