Big Matt..
Not sure where you live..but Im in Canada..and have a lot if experience with Autos.
You mention cold for the plants so Im assuming you're a bit more Northern growing, thus might not have the season..
"If" you're able to start them inside, and have a relatively decent light...even a couple 4 ft fluorescents...as you'll only need them for a few weeks to get started...
If you do decide to start indoors...put them in 20hr of light per day...Second, plant them in pots you intend to finish them in...
Heck, even try this in a couple of beans to see the difference...those pots can even be a gallon or two...drill additional holes in the sides and bottom Toadas you are going to plant the whole pot in the ground when you move it outside...
Autos are great if you know how to grow them...
Just remember when you take them outside, time it near when your season has maximum daytime hours just approaching..
Good luck