Topic: Sweet peas 2017

[laurieuk]

October 8th so made a start ready for 2017 by sowing my sweet peas. I did remember this year to set a couple of mouse traps as I lost almost all the seed last year in one night. I always sow this date as I think it gives me a good root system for a good set in March when I plant out.

[Borlotti]

Should be good, cant believe it is october already, xmas soon. I am sure it was only last month i was buying sweets for haloween must be getting old. Must see if i can find my saved sweet pea seeds as they did better than the vegs this year. Might copy your idea and start a few off early as u always have such lovely flowers.

[laurieuk]

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They started to show about 11 days after sowing, I only ever water once and then wait until I think they are all up. Tis year I had 98 % for separating into root trainers. They are slightly drawn up as I have nowhere in full day light.

[pumkinlover]

Looking good there Laurie.
Can I ask how long you protect from mice for? I have had sweetcorn dug up when a couple of inches tall to get at the seed, of course at some point it must become useless as  a food source but how do you know when?!

[laurieuk]

Once the seed have germinated generally they seem to be save but please do not take that as gospel, only my thoughts we cannot grow sweetcorn although we love it because of badger who don't seem to care what you do they wait until it is ready then clear it in one go.

[pumkinlover]

It's hit and miss here with the badgers. They seem to prefer the other end of our plots for now Will take care with the mice though much as I like them they have pinched too many seeds in the past .
Found row of 2-3" high seedlings tossed away and a hole in the compost!   

[plotstoeat]

I accidentally translanted some small sweetpea seedlings into ericacious compost this week. Should I repot them or will it not matter do you think?

[laurieuk]

I cannot reply from experience as I have  never done this particular thing but if I did I think I would leave well alone unless the plants really show distress, if this did occur I would mix a very small amount on lime with water and water the plants with that. Personally I think all should be ok anyway.

[plotstoeat]

Sound advice as always Laurie. Thanks