I usually do this in February but better late than never. Growing sweet peas is quick, cheap and easy - and the plants will be much stronger than those from even the best nurseries! The secret is to get a deep root system developed so forget about those shallow seed trays or typical 4" pots. Make your own growing tubes from newspaper.

 

Roll up several sheets of newspaper to form open ended tubes approximately the same size as a toilet roll tube. Hold the roll in place with either paper clips or staples. Stand several of these tubes in a Rubbermaid container and pack each one with potting soil.

 

Add 1 seed per tube (I like to soak the seeds overnight first) then water the tubes gently. Place on a sunny windowsill and keep moist but not wet.

 

When the seedlings emerge, turn the Rubbermaid box daily and insert bamboo skewers as temporary supports for them to cling to.

 

Here's the best part. When they are ready to plant out you plant the tubes! No need to take the plants out as the newspaper rots down.

 

A final bit of trivia for which I have no scientific basis whatsoever! There seems to be 'something' in the newspaper ink which stimulates root growth. It is very common in England to line seed trays with newspaper and sure enough those seedlings do seem to develop a remarkably strong root system. I wonder if that is also partly why these newspaper tubes are so effective? I don't know but I'll share my olde English folklore with you anyway!

 

Have fun.

 

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A day trip is always fun. Add to that a packed nursery with to-die-for plants at very reasonable prices, a fun, down-to-earth owner (Heidi Kaster) and you know it will become a regular outing.

 

My daughter and I first discovered Dragonfly Farms Nursery, Kingston on our annual visit to the Olympic Music Festival. I have returned MANY times, even on one occasion persuading my husband to stop to collect a 5' Wissels' Saguaro conifer for a very special client. That wouldn't be so unusual until I tell you that the conifer had to come camping with us for the weekend and we were towing the trailer tent at the time!  

 

Heidi has the knack of finding the unusual and the fabulous. Those of you for whom I have designed gardens will know I often select a unique specimen rather than a more readily available familiar one. Why have a cookie cutter garden when it can be as unique as you are?

 

Grab the car keys and head to the peninsula. Say hello to Heidi from me. (There is now a trailer tent friendly entrance and exit!!)