Caring for Sweet pea

Sweet peas have moderate water needs but dislike drying out, especially during flowering. Water regularly at the base of plants during dry spells, aiming for consistent moisture rather than sporadic drenching. In hot weather you may need to water two or three times a week; mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage mildew. Feed sweet peas once flowering begins in May with a high-potash liquid fertiliser such as tomato feed, applied every two weeks. This supports continuous blooming through summer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If you've prepared the soil well with compost or manure before planting, plants will have a good nutrient reserve to draw on early in the season. Sweet peas are annuals and won't survive winter, so there's no overwintering required for established plants. If you've sown in autumn, keep young seedlings in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse through winter, ventilating on mild days to prevent damping off. Common problems include powdery mildew, particularly in dry conditions or where air circulation is poor—space plants properly and water at soil level to minimise risk. Aphids can cluster on new growth; squash by hand or spray with soapy water. Slugs and snails target young seedlings, so protect with barriers or organic pellets. Check regularly for pea moth caterpillars inside pods if you're saving seed, though this is rarely an issue if you're deadheading diligently for flowers.