Hi everybody. I recently ordered and received some new plants intended to go in pots on my balcony. All the plants are appropriate for my zone in containers (I know about the 'if in pots subtract two zones' thing....)

Anyway, one plant is still en route and I'm also awaiting planters (they sent me planters without drainage holes, though I specifically said I NEED drainage holes. So I had to re-order.) So basically what this all means is that some plants may not be potted-up and put outside for another week or so....

Because it's gotten so cold here in NYC I'm wondering...while these plants normally should do fine in this zone, because they are young plants and will have been only recently potted-up, should I put them outdoors more gradually....perhaps just for the first week put them out during the DAY only...bring them in at night...and then after a week, leave them outside for good?

Also note that when I pot them up, I am packing in the soil well (but not too much) and adding a good layer of mulch on top.

Anyway my main question is whether you think I can just leave them outside 24/7 once they are in their new pots, or if I should do it more gradually...keep them inside at night for a week or so, before putting them out for good?

BTW, we are talking about an acer palmatum dissectum, a forsythia and two barberry shrubs.

Tx.