Growing Peanuts: A Comprehensive Guide for Optimal Harvest

Growing peanuts is a rewarding process that requires careful attention to several key steps. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or a gardening enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail of cultivating peanuts from germination to harvest. This article will help you maximize your yield and ensure a successful crop.

Part 1: Starting Peanuts Indoors

1. Pick out good seed peanuts

Selecting the right seeds is crucial. While raw peanuts from the grocery store will work, purchasing seed peanuts from a gardening store is recommended. Ensure that the peanuts used as seeds remain in their shells until just before planting. This is to prevent them from drying out too quickly, which can lead to failure. Avoid using roasted peanuts, as they will not germinate.

2. Prepare your planting container

Use a clean bowl or starter pot that is approximately 4 inches (10 cm) deep and fill it about 2/3 full with moist potting soil. If the soil is not already damp, moisten it before adding the seed peanuts. Using a paper or peat pot is ideal since you can transplant the entire seedling pot and all into the ground when you're ready to move them outdoors. If you don’t have a paper or peat pot, a clean plastic bowl or pot will work.

Part 2: Transplanting Peanut Plants

1. Prepare the planting site

Peanut plants require full sun, which encourages photosynthesis and soil warmth. Ensure the plants are not exposed to frost for at least two to three weeks after the last suspected frost. The soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius).

2. Improve soil quality

Loose, well-draining soil is ideal for peanut growth. If your soil is heavy, add a few handfuls of sand to improve its quality and looseness. Avoid clay-type soils, as they are difficult to amend adequately.

3. Transplant seedlings

Once the seedlings are ready, dig a hole that is at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) deep and fill the bottom with about 2 inches (5 cm) of loose soil. Ensure you plant the seedlings 10 inches (25 cm) apart, with the stem and leaf portions above the ground and the root system below. If using a decomposable planter, place the entire thing in the ground. If using a container, gently loosen the roots and soil before transferring the plant to the outdoor plot.

Part 3: Daily Care

1. Loosen the soil

When the plants are 6 inches (15.24 cm) tall, loosen the soil around the base to facilitate the growth of runners, which will develop blossoms. These downward stems are called pegs. Form small hills of soil around the buried pegs and the base of the plant when they are about 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall. This provides additional warmth and protection for the peanuts.

2. Spread mulch

Cover the area with a light layer of straw or grass clippings to prevent weed growth and retain moisture. Avoid heavy mulches like wood chips, as pegs need to break through the soil. Keep the soil moist but not soaking.

3. Regular watering

Water the plants thoroughly, aiming for 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Ensure the soil feels slightly dry on the surface but remains moist about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface. This can be checked by sticking your finger into the soil.

4. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers

Peanuts produce their own nitrogen, so avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content. Instead, use a calcium-rich fertilizer when the plants start to flower to maximize nut formation.

5. Protect plants from pests

Protect your plants with mesh fencing to prevent damage from squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals. Extend the fencing 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) below the ground to protect the peanuts as they grow underneath.

Part 4: Harvest and Storage

1. Harvest time

Harvest the peanuts before the first frost of fall, as they are still sensitive to cold at this stage. The plant will turn yellow and wilt when it is ready. Use a gardening fork to gently lift the plant, shaking off excess soil. A healthy plant will yield about 30 to 50 peanuts.

2. Dry and store

Hang the plants indoors in a dry location for about a month. Let the peanuts cure for the first one to two weeks in a warm, dry spot. For the remaining two weeks, pull the nuts and dry them in the same warm, dry location. You can enjoy the peanuts raw or roasted, or store them for later use.

For storage, roasted peanuts can be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes. Store raw peanuts in their shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to six months. In a dry, dark storage area, they can last for three months. Freezing peanuts can preserve them for one to two years.

Growing peanuts is a rewarding process that involves careful attention to planting, care, and harvesting. With this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a successful and bountiful crop of peanuts.