To grow sweet peas successfully in a greenhouse, sow seeds in grow tubes, pots, or trays, and prioritize keeping the plants cool and well-ventilated, and positioned high in the greenhouse.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Sowing: Start by sowing your sweet pea seeds in individual grow tubes, small pots, or seed trays. This allows for easy transplanting later.
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Location: The crucial aspect of greenhouse growing is temperature control.
- Cool Conditions: Sweet peas thrive in cool conditions. A cold frame or cold greenhouse is ideal. If using a greenhouse, especially a warmer one, take steps to prevent overheating, particularly after germination.
- Ventilation: Open doors and windows during mild weather to ensure adequate ventilation. This prevents the greenhouse from becoming too warm and humid, which can lead to fungal diseases.
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Light: Provide adequate light to prevent leggy growth.
- Positioning: Place the seedlings as high as possible within the greenhouse, ideally near the apex (highest point). This ensures they receive maximum sunlight, minimizing "lanky" growth.
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Watering: Water carefully, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
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Support: As the sweet peas grow, provide support structures such as canes, netting, or trellis for the vines to climb.
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Monitoring: Regularly monitor plants for pests and diseases. Address any issues promptly.
By following these steps, you can cultivate beautiful and fragrant sweet peas in your greenhouse.
