meadow
Deeply Rooted
Definitely NOT overnight.What is your thought on soaking pea seeds overnight? I get opposing viewpoints online.
I do pre-soak, but only long enough for the seed to swell. It really speeds up the germination process. After soaking, seeds either get placed between moist paper towels (they must not be soggy) or my more favored approach is to put them in a shallow strainer tray within a larger solid tray (sets intended for sprouting seeds are often sold in Asian markets). Give them a good rinse a couple of times a day (I cover with water, let it soak for a minute or two, and then rinse). Keep them covered and dark and as soon as you see the little tail, pop them into the ground (or a pot, if needing to hold them over).
But that is what I do for beans and peas. I don't know anything about sweet peas.
I also put a piece of chicken wire over newly planted beds to keep the birds and squirrels away. Nothing fancy, just a scrap piece with enough arch bent into it to keep it off the ground and allow the plants to get started underneath it. Peacocks are very fond of young squash leaves.