Sow autumn sweet peas

Start them now for strong, early blooms, says Ruth

SEPTEMBER is traditionally the time when gardeners sow their first batches of sweet peas.

Hardy annuals, they will soon germinate and then the young seedlings can sit out winter in a cold frame, greenhouse or cool, light room indoors.

The seedlings will put on a real growth spurt next spring and be ready to go into the garden once the soil has warmed up after winter and nighttime temperatures are reliably above zero.

They will be more advanced than seeds sown next spring, flowering earlier, but if you sow at both times you will get a prolonged period of blooming.