GROWING NOTES

Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as ground can be worked. Where summer heat comes on fast, these short vines will thrive and bloom longer in a spot with some afternoon shade.

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Sweet peas must have well drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked.

In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, seeds can be planted in fall to form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Erect short supports at planting time. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin to 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.