I grow sweet peas extensively and use grape vine stakes about 10 feet tall and put into the ground about a foot or two. Netting is placed between these; and the peas climb up the netting. Sweet peas are not in flower for long however; remember, you seem to want privacy and the flowers do not last all season. They are rather short-lived and this is something for you to consider if you want long term vines. The perennial version of sweet pea is too short and they do not really climb. Hops might be a better choice as they seem to get dense. I grow these too, but on the other end of the garden. At any rate, the grape stakes work very well and are sturdy, strong, rust proof, and not that expensive. Think about your choice of vine.

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

Lathyrus chloranthus. Joe

Centerum, I think I need to check out my locally gone wild cultivars. For heat resistance (wierd to be talking about heat resistance in January) and ability to reseed themselves, else they wouldn't still be out in the weed fields. Problem is that I don't have any on our propery and most fields near us are either woods, grazed or subdivisions. Chickweed has been an excellent protection for early basal breaks (succulent leaves en masse). And there are few things more universally called weeds than chickweed. If we have a wet spring, we should have wild sweet peas somewhere on the 18 miles between us and town. Does anyone else see the wild ones? Ann