There are signs of spring popping up through the soil but don’t be fooled! It’s still far too early to think we’re out of the woods just yet. It is the most wonderfully hopeful time of year as the bright white Snowdrops bloom amongst Winter Aconites and the early signs of spring bulbs. You may catch the scent of Witch Hazel and Daphne in the air and feel that spring sunshine just around the corner. I don’t want to snap you out of that feeling…but we have a way to go yet before seedlings are safe outside and the seed sowing extravaganza can begin.
However, if you have a Rhino Greenhouse or a Rhino Coldframe, there are definitely seeds that can be sown to get started for the year ahead, and I’m not sure if there is anything more joyous than sowing those first seeds of the year in the greenhouse. I tend to wait until March for sowing most plants but at this time of year the itch must be scratched so along with some general gardening tasks, my go to for sowing right now are glorious sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus).
The seeds can be sown from October to April and over many years I have tried various months, always finding February to be the sweet spot. I use root trainers and the cardboard rolls from toilet paper to sow into and a good quality peat free compost. They are placed in trays in the Rhino Greenhouse and kept moist but not overwatered. If the temperature is due to drop very low, they will also be covered with a layer of horticultural fleece. These will be hardened off and planted outside in spring after the frosts have passed but I must say that I have also some years, forgotten to harden off and planted out before he final frost - they have grown wonderfully every year and always recover from transplant shock or cold - but obviously you take the risk by trying!
The seeds germinate easily, usually from 7 to 14 days, light and warmth dependant and they remain in their original modules until planted out. If plants become ‘leggy’ make sure they are given enough light and eventually after at least four true pairs of leaves have formed, pinch them out back to two pairs. This seems counter intuitive but it will help the plant to bush out and later produce more flowers.
It won’t be long before they can be planted out, given support to climb up such as wigwam canes, trellis or a wired fence and when they do flower, don’t forget to keep on cutting them for the vase or to gift because the more you cut they more will flower and if they go to seed, that’s the end of that vine.
They are a joy to grow and at this time of year a joy to sow. Hope you enjoy the video of some of the many sweet peas I have grown over the years. As you may see, lots of them are similar colours each year and that’s because I collect the seeds and re sow, saving buying more. Collect seeds when the pods have turned brown and keep them stored in a dry, dark, cool place. My absolute favourite is ‘Timeless’ and ‘Restormel’ is always a winner too.
Happy February gardening!
Ellen Mary