Question
This is my 3rd year attempting to grow sweet peas in my urban garden.  This year, I soaked seeds 24 hrs in water, then planted on March 26 (I'm in Zone 5).  Covered bed with staked plastic netting to prevent squirrels, skunk, etc. from getting at seeds.  Four weeks later, no sign of them, just as in the previous 2 years.  What am I doing wrong, please?

Answer
Thanks for the nice words and rating.

I have a link for you, which you may find interesting:
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/factsheet/sweetpeas
Kenneth

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The reason why sweet peas seeds are soaked, is to identify any seeds which has hard seed coats. they should then be nicked (filed) prior to planting. Germination is also typically improved and becomes quicker and more uniform if the seeds are soaked prior to planting. Normally I file the seeds with a nail file just to break through the outer coat, soak the seeds in hot water for 2 hours and then plant.

A temperature of 65 - 70 deg F soil temperatures will give rapid, even germination. Sweet peas can also be direct sowed, but germination will be less reliable and not as fast.

It may be necessary to protect newly sown seed from mice and slugs which seems to love the seeds. Squirrels are new to me. If you have such problems, try to start them in pots in a sunny window and transplant outdoors after germination. Harden off, by gradually putting the young plants out a few hours at a time. e.g. first day just an hour if temperatures are above 40. next day 3-4 hours and then you can leave them out all day if no frost is anticipated, but bring in at night. a few days later they can be planted in their final places.

Make sure your soil outdoors is well draining if you want to direct sow again. heavy clay or soil which stays consistently soaked/saturated will rot the seeds. instead mix in some good quality potting soil or compost into the soil and topdress the area with a fine layer of light mulch (straw).

It is not too late to try again outdoors, if you want.