where to put hops this winter

I've got a first year cascade plant in a pot and I'm just wondering if it will be too cold outside during the Chicago winter since it's in a pot. My other options are an unheated detached garage or my basement, which stays about 50 degrees all winter. Any suggestions?

Outside isn't a problem.

If you're worried and absolutely have to do something, bury it a little in the ground and pack some leaves or other compost around it. I have some in pots up here in Madison and they survive just find despite my neglect.

I left 6X6 inch pots outside for 2 years.hardly ever watered them,finally planted the rest them this year,lost a few ,it gets -20 here so they are hard to kill Cheers glen

Sounds good, I'm not going to worry about them then. Thanks

I would suggest putting them somewhere a little milder, or insulating them a little. They will likely be just find if left out, but their chances are better if it doesn't get quite as cold. But you don't want to "wake them up" by putting them somewhere too warm. Covering the entire pot with leaves or newspaper should improve your odds a little. Putting them right up next to your foundation will keep them a little warmer too.