What are the night time temperatures? If you put them outside just for the daytime they will be fine. If the temperature drops below 50 at night I wouldn't leave them out overnight.

I know it's a lot of seedlings but can you put them outside durning the day and indoors or protected at night? I had my seedlings out when nights were low 50's but when forecasted to 46-48 I brought them in.

I am in the same state and zone as the op

Yup--mid 40's at night. I haven't faced this spate of sunless low temps before, post potting, a week before the swap. I've been concerned about daytime temps being below 65. Are you indicating I won't ruin their growth/fruiting potential if I set them out in 50's or low 60's? I hand these off on Saturday 7th. Half the time I don't think people pay any attention when I tell them they can't just plunk the plants in the soil-- if they need more time acclimating.

Westminster...

Today 62/51 cloudy

Wed 61/49 showers

Thurs 57/49 showers

Fri 60/49 rain

Swap Day 72/55 pt cloudy

During the day they should be fine, I will get mine back out over the next couple of days too and bring them in at night. Unless it's forecasted to rain all day. We got a good storm last night but it's overcast now but no rain at least here in Baltimore city. It was raining in PA very light when I left this morning. I also watch and if it's rains from the north I take my plants in, rain from the south I don't mind if my plants are outside.

if they are not too tough to bring in at night, I would probably do so, otherwise, you won't hurt them leaving them out with that forecast if it holds up. The only reservation might be the rain. That seems like a lot of rain over a prolonged period and peppers, especially seedlings don't like continuous wet soil.

I swear I wrote a response more than an hour ago, but I don't see it. I have a patio under a porch that faces east where I harden off all plants. So I have set them out there. They won't get rained on, being set back toward the house. All is overcast, so no reason to put them directly out in the open. Mostly they are getting light breezes. It's the best I can do given persistant weather conditions.

The breezes will help as much as anything. Here the wind rips the tender leaves to doll rags faster than the sun can burn them. Even if it is overcast put them outside to harden them to the temperatures they will be going outside to.

Agree that any little bit helps. Cooler days aren't the end of the world, and at least you've got them started. For what it's worth, when I get plants at our Master Gardner plant sale every spring, they always hand out a postcard-sized sheet of paper with each purchase explaining how and why to harden off. So maybe you could work something up like that?