Patch & Pot
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Lesson 2

Sowing and root run

Sweet peas have long roots — give them deep root-runs. Sow in long pots ('root trainers'), toilet-roll tubes, or pots at least 10 cm deep, 2–3 seeds per cell.

Best timing: autumn sow (Oct–Nov) for the strongest plants, overwintered in a cold frame; or late winter (Feb) under cover. Pinch the growing tip when plants have 4 leaf pairs to force bushy growth from the base.

Soaking the seed is optional — heritage varieties with hard coats benefit (12 hours in tepid water); modern varieties germinate fine without.

Sweet pea sowing routine

  1. 1Soak hard-coated heritage seeds overnight in tepid water (optional but helpful).
  2. 2Sow into deep pots / root trainers of seed compost, 1.5 cm deep, 2–3 seeds per cell.
  3. 3Keep cool (8–12°C) — too warm and they go leggy.
  4. 4Once 4 leaves emerge, pinch out the top growing point to force bushy side shoots.
  5. 5Pot on or harden off if autumn-sown; overwinter in a cold frame.
  6. 6Plant out at 15 cm spacing along a support after last frost — keep in trios.
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