Why do my sweet pea seeds always rot?
Q My sweet pea seeds keep rotting before they germinate properly – what can I do?
Amy Anderson, Chichester, West Sussex
A I suspect that your sweet pea seeds are rotting because the compost is too wet and airless. Luckily, they are quick to germinate and their growing season is a long one so you have time to start afresh.
When you do, add a quarter part of coarse grit, by volume, to the seed compost. If you are using pots or seed trays, set seeds ½in (13mm) deep and 4in (10cm) apart. Cover containers with plastic film.
Ideally, raise seedlings in a propagator and remove shoot tips when two or three pairs of leaves have formed. This will trigger development of much stronger basal shoots.
If you wish to sow seeds in situ outdoors, ideally in April, cover the site for three or four weeks beforehand with cloches or plastic sheeting to warm the soil. Alternatively, line a seed tray with three layers of kitchen roll and soak it with water. Sow seeds 4in (10cm) apart and cover the tray with plastic film. Position it in good light on a warm, sunny windowsill or close to a boiler
When seeds germinate and roots are visible, very carefully transfer plants to
