Sweet peas in storage boxes. The Higgledy ‘no faff’ method.

These were spring sown. As they would be in their pots for less time I used smaller pots than I would use for autumn sowing.

The Higgledy ‘No Faff’ Sweet Pea Method

Autumn is sweet pea sowing time here at Higgledy HQ, and — as with most things in my world — I like to keep it simple. Over the years I’ve faffed about with root trainers, fancy compost mixes, and various mysterious rituals involving slug beer traps and prayer. But honestly, none of that is necessary. Here’s the Higgledy No Faff Method — my tried and tested way to raise cracking sweet peas with minimal bother and maximum cheer.

What You’ll Need

1-litre pots – I sow five seeds per pot.
Compost – Any decent peat-free multi-purpose compost will do.
A 64-litre Really Useful Box – The clear kind with a clip-on lid.
Sweet pea seeds – Higgledy sweet peas are obviously the ones you should plum for.
A gentle watering can – nothing too fierce.

How I Do It

Sow in autumn – Usually around late October and November but to be honest you can sow them anytime until April as long as you give them a little warmth to get them started,
Pop five seeds into each 1-litre pot – no spacing ceremony required; they’ll sort themselves out.
Water gently – You want the compost moist, not soggy. Think of a well-wrung sponge.
Put the pots into your 64-litre Really Useful Box – mine fits eight 1-litre pots perfectly.
No holes, no worries – I don’t bother with drainage holes or air holes. It’s a closed system, man. I’ve never had an issues with mould or mildew….again…a reminded to only water lightly.
Lid on, box closed – It’s like a tiny greenhouse, or a Tupperware spa for seedlings.
Keep the box inside for two weeks – mine lives on the boat during germination. The warmth helps the seeds get going.
After germination, move the box outside – mine goes up on the roof of the boat, where it lives all winter.
Light, light, light – This is crucial. Sweet peas hate being in the dark more than I hate paperwork.
Once a month, open the lid and have a chat – tell them they’re doing a grand job. Maybe sing to them if you fancy it. Then pop the lid back on.

Planting Out

Come March, they’re ready for the great outdoors. By then you’ll have sturdy, cheerful seedlings that are itching to stretch their legs in the flower patch. Plant them out in their final spots, give them something to climb, and they’ll reward you with a riot of blooms through summer.

The best part of the No Faff Method is that it’s wonderfully low maintenance — no special equipment, no endless watering, no fuss. Just a few seeds, a box, and a bit of kindness.

I hope this helps. :)

Kind regards

Benjamin

PS Please go to my shop and spend a tenner!