Did you know peanuts that are not technically nuts? They’re actually a type of legume (part of the pea family), but regardless of what they are, we know you’ll agree they’re delicious – raw, roasted, ground or crushed! And you can easily grow them at home, in the garden or in large pots.
How to Grow Peanuts at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Materials You’ll Need:
– Peanut Seeds (Raw, unprocessed peanuts with shells)
– A Garden Plot or Container
– Organic Compost
– Garden Trowel
– Organic Fertilizer
– Garden Gloves
– Watering Can or Hose
– Mulch
– Garden Markers
– Pest Control Measures (if necessary)
Step 1: Selecting the Right Peanut Seeds
Begin by choosing high-quality, untreated peanut seeds. You can find raw, unprocessed peanuts at your local grocery store. Make sure they are not roasted, salted, or chemically treated in any way. You can also purchase peanut seeds from a gardening supply store or online.
Step 2: Germinating the Peanut Seeds
Soak the peanut seeds: Place the peanut seeds in a bowl of water and let them soak for 24 hours. This helps soften the seed coat and speeds up germination.
Plant the seeds: After soaking, plant the seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep in your garden plot or container. Space them around 4 inches apart in rows, and keep rows about 24 inches apart.
Soil preparation: Ensure your soil is well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. Mix in compost and organic fertilizer to improve the soil’s fertility.
Step 3: Caring for Your Peanut Plants
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peanuts need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, especially during the flowering and pod formation stages.
Mulching: Cover the soil with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This helps prevent the peanuts from rotting in damp soil.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer during planting and again when the plants start flowering.
Pruning: As peanut plants grow, they may develop too many branches. Prune them to encourage healthy growth and maximize peanut production.
Step 4: Harvesting Your Peanuts
Time your harvest: Peanuts are typically ready for harvest around 120 to 150 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Check for readiness: To check if your peanuts are ready for harvest, gently dig up one plant and inspect the pods. They should have turned a mature, dark color and be plump.
Harvest: Carefully dig up the entire plant, shaking off loose soil. Remove the peanuts from the plant and let them dry in the sun for a day or two.
Cure the peanuts: Allow the peanuts to air dry for about two to three weeks, ensuring they are protected from rain.
Store: Store your harvested peanuts in a cool, dry place in a breathable container, such as a mesh bag or a shallow basket.
