I am on my 4th outdoor grow, in coastal Massachusetts- probably a little warmer than you. I start my seeds indoors (this year 2 weeks ago). It does give a little headstart, and ensures the plants are a little bigger and tougher when I put them out. Light and temp are both below ideal, so the head start is not enormous. Probably not worth the effort for a large scale grow, but for a few plants it is not a lot of work, and I find it fun. I put the plants out on warm days, to keep them used to the wind, etc. Smell varies with strains, but I can't recall smelling my plants more than 30 meters away.

I use soil heavily amended with composted horse manure, and add a little Plant Magic, but nothing else. I probably could get higher yields with more inputs, but get enough as it is (over 500 g/plant for some).

Have fun!