Gardengirl - I only grow my sweet peas in the open ground and for this I prepare this ground during the winter. This involves deep digging with the addition of well rotted manure At planting-out time I add blood/fish & bonemeal at the rate of one handful per sq yd.....then no further feeding.
First of all plant them sufficiently far apart to allow free air circulation between plants. Then a monthly spray with a product called 'Systhane' from June to the end of the flowering season.
I don't have a specific space for mine, so I have other plants in front of them in borders which helps hide any rubbishy lower leaves. They've had no feeding since they were put in, apart from a tomato feed once or twice as there are clematis next to them and they've been lovely. I have a couple beside my back gate and the scent's lovely when you come in and out. They're more mildewy at the bottom because it's a very narrow space and shared with other plants, but I just chuck some water and food in regularly to keep them happy. Very scientific...
Most of mine are in big pots so they need a bit more help, but plenty of food and water seem to get them through ok. They've been a bit poorer this year as it's been exceptionally dry. A pot of something lower in front helps hide it though!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
That's what I did this year David but I probably didn't spray enough, I'l give it another shot next year though. I think Il be planting some at the front of my house instead too.
Right I best go get started on giving the GH a good wash! Thanks for your replies
I would just like to add a little about those SP seed sowing pots.
The cost and types can vary quite widely. Those known as 'Root-Trainers' (the hinged opening type) can cost around £15 for 2 x 32 cells, although they can be used for several years if taken care of....the only problem I've had with these is to be able to keep them watered; they have such a small surface area.
David - I have tons of heavy duty black polythene. Do you think I could make a few deep pots with it for doing peas just now? I thought I could roll it round a bud vase I have and staple it together leaving gaps at the bottom for drainage.
I'm such a cheapskate...
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
That's true, the Sweet Pea's seemed to suffer the most though and got it a couple of months before any others. Lovely weather
Gardengirl - I only grow my sweet peas in the open ground and for this I prepare this ground during the winter. This involves deep digging with the addition of well rotted manure At planting-out time I add blood/fish & bonemeal at the rate of one handful per sq yd.....then no further feeding.
NGCARDS - I know of no mildew resistant SPs, though there is a fairly easy regime to keep it at bay.
I didn't think there was, but you never know unless you ask lol
What regime do you do? It'd be good to hear whether it's anything different to what I have tried in the past
First of all plant them sufficiently far apart to allow free air circulation between plants. Then a monthly spray with a product called 'Systhane' from June to the end of the flowering season.
Btw, this method is also used by Eagle SPs.
I don't have a specific space for mine, so I have other plants in front of them in borders which helps hide any rubbishy lower leaves. They've had no feeding since they were put in, apart from a tomato feed once or twice as there are clematis next to them and they've been lovely. I have a couple beside my back gate and the scent's lovely when you come in and out. They're more mildewy at the bottom because it's a very narrow space and shared with other plants, but I just chuck some water and food in regularly to keep them happy. Very scientific...
Most of mine are in big pots so they need a bit more help, but plenty of food and water seem to get them through ok. They've been a bit poorer this year as it's been exceptionally dry. A pot of something lower in front helps hide it though!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
That's what I did this year David but I probably didn't spray enough, I'l give it another shot next year though. I think Il be planting some at the front of my house instead too.
Right I best go get started on giving the GH a good wash!
Thanks for your replies
I would just like to add a little about those SP seed sowing pots.
The cost and types can vary quite widely. Those known as 'Root-Trainers' (the hinged opening type) can cost around £15 for 2 x 32 cells, although they can be used for several years if taken care of....the only problem I've had with these is to be able to keep them watered; they have such a small surface area.
Then there are 'Grow Tubes', these normally cost around £9 for 20 (although I happened to spot this today www.amazon.co.uk/Elixir-TUBES-EXTRA-SWEET-ONIONS/dp/B00IRCM2A4/ref=sr_1_3?s=outdoors&ie=UTF8&qid=1411720036&sr=1-3&keywords=grow+tubes) .....these are biodegradable and quite satisfactory.
The ones I use are the black polythene bag type sold by Eagle. These cost £6 per 100 and are generally intended to be used once.
Some will say that you can grow 6 or so seeds in a 5" pot, I've tried this and it to be less satisfactory because of root congestion.
David - I have tons of heavy duty black polythene. Do you think I could make a few deep pots with it for doing peas just now? I thought I could roll it round a bud vase I have and staple it together leaving gaps at the bottom for drainage.
I'm such a cheapskate...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Not really sure which type you mean, Gardengirl.
Btw, forgot to mention toilet roll middles in my previous post, I've never used these, but have read reports of fungi growing on the damp cardboard.