There is such thing as too late to plant. But it's definitely not in mid-May. Putting your rhizomes in a healthy environment which provides full sunlight and water will definitely strengthen the plants and will ensure that you have a much better harvest in 2011 than if you were to wait until...
1. Your pot will be fine. Because you'll be boiling in the pot for an hour it will kill everything in there.
2. You got it. Sanitation is key. It's hard when you first start out, but my advice is to be patient and don't rush your brews.
3. Like you said, everyone has different views on...