For best results, soak the seeds overnight and then plant in a foot-wide trench on top of organic fertilizer, covering with two inches of moistened soil. Experts at the New Canaan Nature Center added a word of caution. Sweet peas are beautiful, but here in Connecticut we still run the risk of a frost after March that would kill these plants. To avoid disappointing the fledgling gardeners, it would be a wise to add pansies to the mix as they can resist a little frost. A more comfortable alternative to digging around outside is to start some seedlings inside in preparation for balmier weather.
Children can use a variety of containers for indoor gardening projects.
Milk cartons, ice cream containers and egg shells supply extra calcium to growing seedlings. Standard clay and plastic pots and starting containers are equally suitable. Store-bought options also include potmakers that children can use to make containers out of old newspapers. Seedlings can be replanted outside after the last frost. One way to avoid future arguments over who gets which pumpkin is suggested in the book, Kid's Gardening, by Kevin and Kim Raftery.