Yes, unfortunately you do need to protect them from snow and hard frosts if it goes on for weeks. Overnight, well that is a different story. The danger is really in a fast thaw, but do protect sweet peas from extended hard freezes. I have been growing them each year for many years; there are a few freezes here in No Cal, but they do not last; so prevention from snowfall is not necessary. They are cold weather hardy it is true, which is why they do so well in England; but they do protect them there from snow in cold frames. By all means, move them into the garage if you wish to; but keep it cool in there, too. They are best kept outside in the cold as long as you can, but if you are worried about snow, then the garage is the right place. They benefit most from long slow root development, so getting them into the ground asap or as soon as you can, is the goal.

Hi Vic, Now if'n it was me...I would list the date it known, and where it came from...If I rec it in trade, and the date was unknown, I would just list it that way. I see no need to tell how they are or are not stored. Very few folks, I imagine, keep all their trading and growing 'stash' in the frig...I don't. I planted some tomato seeds that were likely 4-5 years old this year, just stored in boxes in bedroom, and had great germination. I was hoping for 50% but got many more than that...so now I am over run with great mater plants. Sue

I agree with Al completely... They would need a significant hardening off process, and if your Z8 is like this Z8 where the weather can be unpredictable into March, there is the chance you would need to move them someplace protected depending on the forecast for your area - which you would watch. I've sown them late summer/Fall and left them outdoors - germination takes place then in late winter and those seedlings which have germinated outside will withstand my late winter frosts.

The medium you put in the little zip lock is to provide needed moisture - the chill has to be moist to be helpful. Just damp, like a wrung out sponge moist, not soggy. That's if you want to get them started and not wait until next winter. Refrigerated dry is storage. Damp sterile sand or damp sterile vermiculite work too, and you only need a tsp or two, seeds don't have to be completely buried. Date the bag, when the time is up you can sow the contents sand and all.