Sweet Pea pods.

Hi guys, I have a lovely 'show' of sweet peas. I keep picking and picking and they just go on and on. I notice they have developed 'pea pods' - when do I pick the pods and remove the seeds? Also, when should I plant the seeds in the ground, ready for next year?

 

Wait until the pods turn a pale brown colour and have a dry appearance before picking them from the plant, then put them inside a paper bag to dry. Use paper to avoid any risk of condensation. As they dry they will split and you will hear them popping inside the bag ( which can get quite loud... like corn popping... and might make you think your house is haunted ), any that don't open on their own can be opened by firmly pinching them along the seam.

You can plant seeds from September right through until early February, though in the colder months they'll need to be in a cold frame or an unheated greenhouse. I find earlier is best as you'll have a more established plant to put out around about the end of March.

I get a lot of self seeded plants popping up around the garden, so it's safe to assume that they are pretty tough and don't need a lot of molly coddling.