Many thanks again for the comments Digdirt and Monet, I am now about 5 days into the hardening off stage, this is what I have done so far. - I Kept them out of direct sun for 3 days and left them out for about 4 hours the first time now at about 10 hours. - They had no night exposure yet and just leaving them in kitchen on fridge at about 72 F - Last two days exposed them to about 1-2 hours the first day and 2-3 hours the second day of sunlight. @ thanks for the advice Monet and about the larger pot size, I am switching the red cups to a 5-6 inch pot and will get them ready tomorrow or next day with new organic potting mix I just got real cheap (All of these will be planted in-ground eventualy soon.) The only thing I fear now is that the temps for the next 10 days at night should average around 45-50 at F in the Philadelphia area. Except for the next 2 nights where it is getting to 34 F and just read a Frost warning an hour ago. (These Plants will be indoors). I hope they make it out ok if it means being in the pots possibly a little bit longer, if not then I have back ups. Thanks again for the great advice from both and for the rest of this forum that is really helping me out. -Mr Beno

What would happen to them on the porch? Animals or blown away? How can you prevent that from happening? Is it a covered porch? Can you set up a wind shield and rain protection like a tarp if that is the issue? Otherwise it is back inside with some sort of rigged up light for them. Depending on the # a cardboard box lined with foil and some sort of lamp will work for a short period. Another alternative is to plant them and then put a milk jug or liter pop bottle with the bottom cut out over them for protection. For future reference, whenever possible in the spring it is always a good idea to have a pre-rigged up protected area like a low tunnel or such for issues just like this. You made not need it but if you do it comes in very handy. Dave

1. Sunlight - most important, so they don't burn. I put them under deck seating and gradually pull them out for more and more light. Usually after one week, they go into final location in the ground. I have used agribon/shadecloth to adjust to bright sun when I did not have enough under deck seating space. 2. Wind - indoor seedlings are often very weak and blow over easily. I often just stake them with shish kabob sticks to keep upright. I don't tie them, just stick between some branches. 3. Temperature - I don't put stuff out until I know it can handle the low. Better safe than sorry, especially with peppers. I will pull them inside if a random cold spell is forecasted, but for me, once they go out they stay out. 4. Water - I never really considered this one. I just water when dry.

I was not going to leave them overnight. I also have a large cold frame that is covered and has heating cables in the soil and I would put heat mats (for seed starting) inside also. Worse case I could easily cover it with blankets. Unless temps go below 30 I am ok. They would probably be fine under 25 - Would just toss in a small electric heater and leave it running all night. I am hooping to get them in the ground in about a week. Do you harden off for cold? I never have - so not sure. Meaning I put out on warm sunny days.