we're still having a couple nights a week here in the low 30's (f) so early planting isnt really an option
Ouch - sorry to hear that. I'm just 2-weeks from my second harvest - not trying to rub it in. I can start in February... and have planted in January if the winter is unusually warm. Before auto's I had to plant photos in December (run them <12 hrs daylight from seed) to get multiple grows outdoor per season. Yes, the yield was low, and sometimes we (god forbid) got a frost which slows things down, but I gotta love the South and its climate!
I hate it when I can't wear shorts and flip-flops year round! I'm what most northener's call a pussy when it comes to cold weather. Happy growing.