That is sad. Sow some more seeds tomorrow. It's not the optimum time, but I don't think it's too late. Or most nurseries now carry sweet pea starts. Maybe that would be a good option.

My sweets are protected by cages until they reach a height of 8 or 10 inches, otherwise birds will nip the sprouts. Slugs and snails are a nuisance to young sweet sprouts. As you have discovered, you gotta watch the "humans" too!

I currently have 18 sprouts of various heights. I can't wait to see what colors I get exactly. Last year was really purple/red for some reason. Hoping for more variety of color this year. You just never know.

Thanks! I was pre-sprouting some seeds so I put them in. I'll be adding some bird/gardener netting as well.

this is why you need garden labels .... label your plants ... and plant in a given pattern .. so when he comes along... and sees a label ... and plants in a circle or something.. he will stop and say .. i have never seen weeds grow in a perfect circle with a label in the middle of them .... by mid summer the design will be overgrown ...disappear .. and by then.. the gardener should be able to recognize them ...

good luck .. ken

I think those replies have pretty much answered your question. You've probably found out by now that Sw. Peas hate to be transplanted. Such a pity. Suggestion: Garden signs can be fun to make. I have a friend who has requested that I make a sign saying "This is NOT a weed!" Signage is the way to go. So sorry to hear of your misfortune. Meanwhile, can you replace them with something else entirely? Then again, there is no replacemt for Sw Peas. Snail Vine would be nice! Latin name: Vigna. I am in zone 7NC and cant even dream of growing Sw. Peas. We get Winters and Springs that are too cold - then suddenly it is way too hot in April and May to grow Sweet Peas, despite several failed attempts. How in the world can you grow them in zone 9? I am quite curious! Perhaps you can help me with my own challenges here in z7. Let's discuss. Robin in NC

Put up pieces of rebar or little decorative metal fence pieces and like obstacles so that the weed whacker suffers damage before it gets to the prized plants. Not the most beautiful garden in the world, but the plants are intact, usually. If it's behind a barrier, it's not for mowing or chopping, Period. Garden rule. It does mean that YOU must hand weed.

It's a matter of timing, Robin. Sweet peas planted in November are blooming here (zone 8) and on the Texas Gulf Coast (zone 9). They sprout, then remain tiny. They suffer temperatures well below freezing and then zoom to beauty in the early warm days of spring. Consult your county extension agent.

Nell

Thanks all; these peas are tucked in the edge of a mound in front of a fence. I have hung signs but there no room for barriers. Here's some info and a link about growing in warm climes. I do find it tricky-I put seeds out with our first rains(November) and pre-sprout some more in February to fill in holes.
Fragrantgardens tips;
In an average weather-year the general rules for the USA for starting sweet peas are:
California- August to September for spring bloom- Generally the winter flowering varieties should be used for this planting time. If you have a cool, wet autumn this will work. If your fall is hot and dry, this will be challenging. (Make sure you keep your soil moist at all times. Don't even think of letting the soil dry out, much less letting it commence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) If it is hot and dry, consider waiting until the fall rains begin in November, December or January.
November to January for summer bloom- Plant summer blooming varieties. Of these, Cuthbertson's blooms first, Old Fashioned are most heat resistant, and Spencers, which have the most spectacular blooms, bloom three weeks later.
Southwest. South Texas and South Florida- All of the literature I have read suggests September and October if climate is hot- typically in the lowlands. Early spring in mountainous areas of the Southwest. Remember to keep them moist. I need feedback from people in these climates. Please read about California (above)
Lower Southern States- November to January- This large geographic area is difficult to predict accurately, but remember that the ground temp must be consistently 55-65 degrees for the seeds to germinate. Consider transplanting. I need feedback from people in these climates.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fragrantgarden site