Hi all,
Looks like I have a bit of explaining to do ;)
Lets take germination first;
Germinate at a minimum temperature of 16°C (60°F)
This is an ideal temperature but as pointed out; they can be sown directly outdoors and they will germinate.
This is quite true but they won't germinate in 5-6 days, plus you won't be able to sow in this manner for another couple of months yet.
Similarly again something that has been pointed out; they do better with a long growing season!
So if you have access to the right conditions by all means use them, if not let common sense prevail.
Grow on in Greenhouse at this temperature, ventilate as much as possible (depending upon the weather) giving maximum light at all times.
This is not imperative either but what I find is; if I don't do it, they take longer to develop after pricking out and I tend to lose a few plants.
I give them a couple of weeks on the hotbed to get the root system active again after the disturbance of 'pricking out'
I see someone else has been affected by a loss of plants perhaps this is your problem ............they may have cold feet!
Once I am satisfied usually a couple of weeks, I move them out of the heated greenhouse and into a cool one that I keep at around 4°-8°C (40°-45°F).
What is essential is; that they get 'maximum light' at all times.
My dilemma is that they are at present on a warm windowsill in the house, with probably insufficient light, but the only other places that I have available are the shed (probably frost-free but maybe also a bit low on light) or the unheated greenhouse.
As I have said above the temperature can be dropped substantially but light I always think is crucial, so as someone else has rightly said move them into a cool greenhouse during the day and watch the forecast for low temperatures.
If cold weather is forecast fetch them indoors overnight.
You could rig yourself up a fleece tunnel/cloche in the greenhouse and put this over them (removing it in the morning and putting it back on in the evening) this way they will have reasonable protection.
If you resort to the shed could you rig up a lead lamp plugged into a timer socket?
This way you could set the light for say 12 hours on and 12 hours off. This is not an ideal lighting method but it is better than none!
I hope that answers your question but as I have mentioned in the 'preface' of my website ..........
...let common sense prevail when using this website!Finally!
You say;
PS I think I know the answer, just need somebody to agree..
What is your answer?