[Yorkie]

So, I have lots  of sweet pea seeds that I propose to get under way this afternoon.

But what size pots?

I have inherited some of those moulded seed pot holder trays, which come with 6cm pots (about 2.5") which are relatively shallow.

Would these be too small?  Thinking of perhaps 3 seeds to a pot.

[angelavdavis]

I usually use toilet rolls!  I guess toilet rolls are about 1.5 inch or 3cm dia.  I aim for one seed per roll, but usually end up with two.  I seem to get good results.  So, based on that one, I would have thought three seeds per 6cm pot would be OK.

What depth are the pots?  I thought, like any legume, sweet peas are more likely to want a deeper root run - hence my using toilet rolls.

The local garden centre sells them in 6cm pots which are only a standard depth, so you should be OK if the pots are about the same depth.

[Yorkie]

Thanks.  I guess I am a little concerned about the depth.  Don't have anywhere near enough toilet rolls (like, none!)

I'll have another look at other options.

[JayG]

I agree with Angela, Yorkie - at a guess a 5" tall sweet pea seedling has a tap root of about the same length.

[Mrs Bee]

I sow three seeds to a 5" pot.

I soak my sweet pea seeds first over night.
Our local nursery puts their old pots out for recycling so luckily I have loads.

[mumofstig]

I do 3 seeds to  a halved placcy milk bottle 

[angelavdavis]

Thanks.  I guess I am a little concerned about the depth.  Don't have anywhere near enough toilet rolls (like, none!)

I'll have another look at other options.

Ah, one of the few benefits of having 6 living in the same house! 

[angelavdavis]

Just had a thought - what about making taller pots by rolling up some newspaper and either making paper pots or lining the shallower pots so you have a taller root run?

[Paul Plots]

Just had a thought - what about making taller pots by rolling up some newspaper and either making paper pots or lining the shallower pots so you have a taller root run?

On here somewhere there's loads of information about making paper-pots (Richies I think?)

Personally I fill  an ordinary 3" (or 5") pot with compost and stick saved seeds in- Providing they are not too wet they eventually germinate

Last year I sowed seeds in the autumn and they did splendidly - this year it'l be spring sown as I've had som little time recently

Tap root? They really don't have to grow straight down so very deep containers aren't essential to get them germinated and on their way for planting out

[Yorkie]

Just had a thought - what about making taller pots by rolling up some newspaper and either making paper pots or lining the shallower pots so you have a taller root run?

I also thought of that, but don't get a newspaper so will need to raid the shops for one of the big ones tomorrow 

But you did remind me that I have some roottrainers somewhere so that will do for some of them - ta 

[Yorkie]

On here somewhere there's loads of information about making paper-pots (Richies I think?)

Personally I fill  an ordinary 3" (or 5") pot with compost and stick saved seeds in

Yes, I've used bigger pots like that in the past - I agree that they are better than what I was planning to use.

Roottrainers and richy's pots, here I come!

[RichardA]

I use the largest size rootrainers or the little plastic bag like pots sold especially for sweet peas by some of the exhibition growers who supply seed by mail order.Rootrainers open easily at transplant time but the little plastic bags need cutting up the seam
R

[Annen]

I used 5 seeds to a 5 inch pot.

[shoozie]

I also thought of that, but don't get a newspaper so will need to raid the shops for one of the big ones tomorrow 

Or, go via a bank or estate agent and pick up the freebie property papers or a petrol station for the free car paper.  They keep us in paper for lighting the fire  .

[Yorkie]

No freebie papers round here any more