How late is too late?

So this summer is to be my first real grow. I attempted last summer, however was a complete idiot about it and started them early July and attempted to rush job everything. This year I'm starting a bit late as well, I should be germinating the seeds now but I'm still in college. I get home May 12th, and plan to start no more than a week or two later than that. Is this still going to be too late in the growing season? I'm trying to get a harvest before classes start back up in September.
I'm not getting any high-quality ordered seeds as I don't wanna put a lot of investment in this until I get good at it . Planning on asking for some seedy weed and using a few of those. Going to germinate them indoors for a couple weeks and then find a good spot outdoors where I can put some fishing line and chicken wire around them.
Few things: 1) will this be enough pest control? 2) The area is likely to be quite shaded from trees, how little direct light is too little? 3) What should I do to the soil for preparation? 4) How many times a week should I water, or should I just leave it up to mother nature until theres a dry spell?

1) Don't know. I never have pest problems, so I can't say.
2) You need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, but more is better.
3) I dig a big pit and toss in compost and hay fill in with regular soil and peat.
4) I water every three days, but try to keep the rhythm with nature. More water means bigger plants, at least in my experience.

Good luck.