Hi, if you have a cold frame, I would put them in it for the winter, they're very small, so if we get a very cold winter, you could cover them with horticultural fleece as well, but remove when it's less cold, Derek.

I agree and if you don't have a cold frame then perhaps indoors at night out doors during the day.

Thanks, I appreciate that. I have heard advice that they can be left outdoors and forgotten about until February, but was a bit wary of that during spells of frost. I don't have a cold frame, so it would need to be indoors. Or even the shed?

If they had been sown into the ground then they would be ok left uncovered. putting them in the shed isn't a bad idea in cold nights but do bring them out into the light during the day. If they lose their leaves totally [and they might] they can stay in the shed but keep them barely damp.

Thanks, Seaburngirl. Last night did get very cold, so they spent the night indoors on the kitchen floor. Then back out again first thing this morning.

Getting too wet is more important than just the actual cold. In the ground rain will drain away into the soil all around but a plastic pot prevents the compost drying as easily and they could rot. When my frames are full I have some old windows etc that I support over excess pots to allow planty of ventilation but keep heavy rain off.

Thanks, bulbaholic. I had them in propagators outside until pricking them out. Unfortunately, the cover now does not fit the trays. I have been trying to think of something that I could use as protection, but the best that I can do is have them under the roof soffits, away from the prevailing wind and rain. Tonight may be the last of the cold nights for a while and I will leave them outside at night again after this.

I've seen plates of glass atop bricks to provide a drier environment. but if you have youngsters or pets that could well be out of the question. Acrylic sheets would work if too.