averil I've let my seedlings decide what they want to do. If they have leaves I water them if they drop the leaves I stop. The first winter they kept their leaves and the second they dropped them so I cut back on the watering to about once a month.
My adeniums don't go dormant unless spider mites take their leaves. I guess they could be forced into it if you cut the leaves off. I'm sure other more experience growers will jump in when they have time.
Peg

Winter is a 4 letter word around here.

I kept my first year seedlings going all winter in the greenhouse.

Mike

averil - I know that ProudMamaSd (Wendy) let hers go dormant the first year and they were fine, but I kept mine going. The main thing I worry about is the lack of insulation for the roots because I'm thinking if they're small they'll be in small containers and even with the duvet, not much insulation from the cold on their roots. Is there anywhere a little warmer than the shed, even if they were in the dark? How cold do your winters get?

Thanks for your input folks. I think I shall bring them indoors and let them make up their own minds. Elucas it can get to minus 7, but who knows these days. It's best I don't risk them. I want a conservatory but other half says he is not paying for one to keep my plants comfy in the winter. Miserable sod! He he
Kind regards to all
Averil UK

I had one seedling drop it`s leaves over winter. I left them all outside on the front porch. We rarely have any freezing weather here.
Good luck with them.
Tally HO!

I would try to keep the seedlings growing all winter. Just to give them a healthy start like peg mentioned.

Emily is the queen of seedlings. ;-). So I would try and keep them inside under grow lights. Warm and happy !!!

Good luck!!

Laura