[RichardA]

Can I ask, please, when sweet peas should be planted outside. I have about 100 plants all from seed and all in 5 inch root trainers all looking very sturdy around 3 inches high and currently in the polytunnel so cold but sheltered -- is it about time to be hardening them off and getting my cane rows erected yet.
I was thinking to use  double rows of 6 foot canes about 6 inch apart in the row and about 18 inches between rows tied and stiffened at the top-- bit like a traditional runner bean stick system -- is that OK ?
Many thanks
R

[Trillium]

Check your local weather for any upcoming cold spells. If nothing, then you should be able to plant them out. If frost is expected, you can fleece at night.

Anything they can climb is good. I find this method DD uses with his peas the best as they tend to multi-branch and flop otherwise.
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=69457.30

[RichardA]

I use the DD method with vegatable peas and believe his is by far the best method but have never used with flowering sweet peas grown for flower arranging etc.-- have you.
R

[Trillium]

Yes I have and it's far better than netting or trying to train them up canes.

[RichardA]

many thanks Trillium, glad to have benefit of your experience there
R

[Alec_Macpherson]

So, how susceptable are they to frost?  I'm toying with the idea of sowing some, and in Caithness we can get frosts as last as June.

[parttimer]

Check your local weather for any upcoming cold spells. If nothing, then you should be able to plant them out. If frost is expected, you can fleece at night.

Anything they can climb is good. I find this method DD uses with his peas the best as they tend to multi-branch and flop otherwise.
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=69457.30

What a simple idea is there any reason why I couldn't use this system for my Runner Beans?


edited to clarify quote - Yorkie

[Trillium]

You could use this for runner beans but you might find the height and fruit load a bit too heavy for canes and twine.

Quite a lot of us use this idea called Munty's bean frame:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=50801.0

It's strong enough to hold the weight as well as make picking very easy.

[Tohmahtae]

What you are proposing to do is fine. Do you intend to grow them cordon style for biggest blooms? If so, this is a good guide:

http://www.rpsweetpeas.co.uk/Articles.htm#cordon

If not then use muntys method.

If you overwintered them they should be hardy, check the forecast in your area the week you plant them out. I already have 80 of mine in the ground.

[mumofstig]

mine are planted at each end of the bean frame, just waiting until it's warm enough for the beans to join them 

[RichardA]

Thanks Tomahtae, excellent link -- yes going for cordon method as I usually do for long stems and biggest blooms. More than willing to put in the extra effort for best show but in past tended to play very safe for planting out and wanted to go out earlier this year.
Thanks again
R