JAitken on "sowing seeds"

JAitken — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:02:40 +0000

In reply to your question re. the sowing of sweet peas under glass, I must establish whether they are to be grown under glass or simply to be raised in a greenhouse. If the plants are eventually to be grown in the garden, then there are some advantages of sowing now or in early spring, in order to establish strong-growing plants for a lengthy flowering season. If I were sowing now, I would first of all soak the seed in a jar of clean water overnight. If you are to grow named varieties, then you should be careful to mark each jar or container with the individual name. If you are raising just a few plants, I would recommend sowing the seed individually in cellular pots, this will avoid root disturbance at planting. Should you be growing alot of plants, then I would purchase special deep paper pots for sweet peas and sow 2 seeds per pot. I would choose a John Innes Seed compost or a peat-free alternative if you prefer. Do not compact the compost too severely at sowing and cover with a few mm of compost.
Water the cellular pots or paper pots from below after sowing and ensure that they do not dry out therafter. Place them in a tray on a bench in the greenhouse and cover with newspaper until the seed germinates and watch out for mouse damage!! The resulting seedlings should be grown on in full light to avoid drawn-up seedlings prior to planting, which should only take place after the fear of frosts have passed.

I think that's it. Best of luck. Jim.

wmarnoch on "sowing seeds"

wmarnoch — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:14:27 +0000

when do i sow sweet peas in the green house

Gardening Scotland Topic: sowing seeds

JAitken on "sowing seeds"

wmarnoch on "sowing seeds"