This is a very fun "hobby" and as long as you learn from things, you are all the better! Its not too late though, to start another outdoor grow this year. I always use the golden rule of "dont plant outside until 4/20" easy to remember, since 420 is the universal toking number!! LOL. I would start some more off, and get another harvest this year if you could.
What I do every year I want an outdoor grow, is do as you said, start them inside about February from clones, or January from seed on 18/6. Move them slowly outside in mid April (light sun), and transition them 100% outside by 4/20-4/30 ish (full sun). In October, here come the flowers on top of 6' plants.
I have also direct sown the seeds outside, no earlier than 4/20. I have also put clones directly in the ground no earlier than 4/20 and let them grow outside from day one. Its up to you. A young plant is more vulnerable however, so its best to start in pots then transplant them when they are about 6" tall into their permanent outdoor home.
Keep on experimenting and learning, thats the only way I did it!!
