[earthing83]

I recieved my sweet pea plug plants in the post today. I wasn't expecting them till the end of April! I'm unsure whether to put them out yet (dwarf variety going in window box) as we sometimes have very late frosts here in Scotland. The note that came with them said they have been hardened off and should be planted straight out.
What does everyone think? Plant them out and keep an eye on the forecast and fleece at hand or keep them in?

[Yorkie]

It does sound as though the company knows what it's talking about.

Is there scope for covering with fleece if you plant them outside and a particularly heavy frost is forecast?

[Trillium]

Hardened off does not mean frost proof. Hardened off just means that they've been weaned into natural sunlight versus artificial light of greenhouses.

If you feel comfortable with them outside, I'd keep the fleece handy and a regular eye on the weather forecasts. They're hardy yes, but not that tough. If you've got a cold frame, this would be more ideal until your sure your weather is a bit better for them. Even I wouldn't put my sweet peas out until late April and my climate is similar to yours.

[Yorkie]

I'd go with what Trillium says 

[arugula]

We had our first batch of sweet peas planted out in March last year, which I did feel was a bit early, but they were still flowering beautifully in October.

[Goosegirl]

Given the metereologists forecast for heavy snow on April 29th, I would invest in a heavier fleece...!!!!!!!   

[arugula]

That's a very specific long term forecast and a coincidental date for that weather event.....

[earthing83]

Thanks for your thoughts. I wouldn't be surprised if more snow and frosts are yet to come. I will think it over a bit longer and then ask my Mum, who seems to always get it right!!!
Happy spring gardening 

[Goosegirl]

That's a very specific long term forecast and a coincidental date for that weather event.....

...and a very coincidental posting date too..!

[arugula]

That's a very specific long term forecast and a coincidental date for that weather event.....

...and a very coincidental posting date too..!

Which? The date you posted, or the date you posted?

[roonyin]

my significant other sowed her seeds mid march ( same as last year ) has them covered with fleece and bubbble wrap she quite happy with process so far