Hi Ellen! Welcome! As far as putting your brugs out, the leaves will get damaged from the sun anyway. So you can strip your plants of leaves. I know, sounds drastic, but the leaves will grow in acclimated to the sun. As long as you don't get freezing temps, they should be OK outside. I have some of mine out and we've been close to freezing a few times.

Theresa

I'm in 7a and mine have been outside for a couple weeks. We've dipped into the upper 30's a couple times with minimal, if any damage. I think you'll be fine and like Theresa said acclimating them to natural sunlight will scorch the foliage anyway.

Thanks Theresa and Karyn, out they go!!

I too am tired of dragging my brugs in and out of the house! Glad to know I can leave them outside now. ( :
Bo