I grow my plants on an east side of my house and use the collar method once
they are a little larger. I water when almost dry. When larger, I've found
them to be somewhat forgiving of mistakes, but don't push it! Cold and wet
will do them in every time. I haven't had a problem with cold (low 40s F),
but water is anathema.
I wouldn't start any seed until the spring or your plants will probably
succumb to a myriad (dog's breath?) of fungus infections. On the bright
side, they die quickly.
Tom