Growing sweet peas in root trainers involves sowing seeds in individual cells, ensuring proper moisture, and providing a cool environment until germination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Sow the Seeds:
- Fill each cell of the root trainer with a good quality seed compost.
- Sow 2 sweet pea seeds per cell. This increases the chance of at least one seed germinating successfully.
- Plant the seeds approximately 2cm (¾ inch) deep.
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Cover the Seeds:
- Cover the seeds with vermiculite. Vermiculite helps retain moisture and provides good aeration for germination.
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Watering:
- Stand the root trainers in a tray of water.
- Allow the water to soak up through the compost until the vermiculite on top is damp. This ensures the compost is evenly moistened without disturbing the seeds.
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Creating a Germination Environment:
- Cover the root trainers with a lid or place them inside a propagator. This helps to maintain humidity and a consistent temperature.
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Location:
- Place the root trainers in a cool greenhouse or a cold frame. Sweet peas prefer cooler temperatures for germination, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight or overly warm environments.
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Germination:
- Keep an eye on the root trainers. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks.
- Ensure that the compost remains damp but not waterlogged.
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Post-Germination Care:
- Once the seedlings emerge, remove the lid to improve ventilation and prevent fungal diseases.
- Allow the seedlings to grow until they are ready for transplanting, usually when they have a good root system and are a few inches tall.
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Transplanting:
- Sweet peas started in root trainers are often transplanted in late autumn or early winter. Prepare trenches and plant the seedlings, providing support such as netting or canes for them to climb. The reference mentions transplanting in December.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow sweet peas in root trainers, giving them a head start and strong root system before planting them out in the garden.
