Peanuts were first brought to the United States from Africa in the late 1700s. They were primarily grown as a subsistence crop by small farmers in the South, particularly in Georgia and Virginia. During the Civil War, peanuts were a major food source for both Union and Confederate soldiers and helped to establish their reputation as a nutritious and portable food. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the peanut industry began to expand. Today, the USA is one of the world’s leading producers of peanuts, with the majority of the crop grown in the southern states.
When to plant peanuts
Peanut seeds are usually planted in early spring. If you live in a cool climate, it would be wise to start your plants indoors with a grow light and get them planted early, like by the end of January or early February.
The seeds can also be planted outdoors when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C). This usually occurs in late spring or early summer. Outdoor direct seeding is best done in areas with a long growing season.
How to grow peanuts
Peanuts are a versatile and nutritious crop that can be grown in the garden with a little know-how. Whether you want to harvest them for eating or use them as a cover crop to improve soil health, planting peanuts is a fun and rewarding experience. Peanuts are also an interesting plant that has self-feeding bacteria on their roots. Rhizobium bacteria live in nodules on the roots and convert nitrogen to help feed the plant just like other legumes do.
Here’s how to get started:
Choosing the Right Site
Peanuts grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a full sun site with a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Peanuts are also well-suited to warm southern climates.
Starting the Seeds
Peanut seeds can be planted in the ground when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C). This usually occurs in late spring or early summer. These are normally planted about 6 inches apart. If you live in a cool climate it would be wise to start your plants indoors with a grow light and get them planted early like the end of January or early February.
Water the seeds well after planting, and keep the potting soil consistently moist until the plants are established. Peanuts are sensitive to dry soil, so it’s important to water them regularly during the seedling stage. Peanuts do not like cold temperatures so keep them warm from seed to harvest.
Caring for the Plants
Peanut plants need a lot of nutrients to produce healthy foliage and high-yielding pods. Fertilize the soil with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when you plant the seedlings out, and again when the plants begin to flower. You can also add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve fertility.
Peanut plants produce small, yellow flowers that develop into pods underground. The pods mature about 120 days after planting, at which point you can harvest the peanuts. Check your variety for days to harvest of your variety.
Growing Peanuts in Containers
Peanuts can also be grown in containers, making them a great option for gardeners with limited space or those who want to grow peanuts in a location that is not suitable for in-ground planting. When growing peanuts in containers, the most important considerations are container size, soil mix, and fertilization. With the right container, soil mix, and fertilization, you can grow healthy and productive peanut plants that will provide you with a bounty of peanuts. Remember that growing any plants in pots brings the responsibility of watering regularly and often daily. If you are unable to do this consistently you may want to invest in some type of automated watering system.
Container Size
The size of the container you choose will depend on the size of the plants you want to grow. A general rule of thumb is to choose a container that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter for each plant. Peanuts grow well in a variety of container materials, including plastic, clay, and metal. I will often plant three plants in the middle of a 16-20 inch diameter pot to save additional space. I like these larger pots to be a bit shorter than they are wide. so 16 in wide by 12 in deep for example.
Soil Mix
It is important to choose a soil mix that is well-draining with 5-10% rich organic matter. A good quality, commercial potting mix is usually sufficient, but you can also make your own mix by combining equal parts of compost, peat moss, perlite, and or vermiculite. Just be sure it has good drainage and aeration so if in doubt add a bit more pearlite.
Fertilization
A Peanut plant needs regular fertilization to produce healthy foliage and high-yielding pods. Feed the young plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or another alternative. Plants in pots cannot search for nutrients like plants in the earth so you should feed once per week with a quality water-soluble product.
Harvesting Peanuts
Peanuts are usually ready for harvest about 120 days after planting. To determine if the peanuts are ready to be harvested, look for yellowing foliage, which is a sign that the plants are beginning to die back. This indicates that the peanuts are mature and ready to be harvested.
To harvest the peanuts, gently dig up the peanut plant and shake off any loose soil. Spread the entire plant out in a single layer to dry in the sun for several days. This allows the peanuts to fully mature and makes it easier to remove the pods from the plants.
Once the peanuts are dry, gently remove the pods from the plants. Store the pods in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.
Cleaning and Preparing Peanuts
Once you’ve harvested your peanuts, the next step is to clean and prepare them for cooking. Here’s how:
To clean the peanuts, simply remove the pods from the plants and shake off any loose dirt or debris. Spread the pods out in a single layer and inspect them for any signs of damage or insect infestation. Discard any pods that are discolored, moldy, or otherwise damaged. Wash the good-looking nuts in the shell if you would like to save them in the shell.
Preparing to Cook
Peanuts can be roasted, boiled, or used in a variety of dishes. To prepare peanuts for roasting, simply spread the kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. To prepare peanuts for boiling, place them in a pot of boiling water and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until they are tender. You can also boil them in the shell.
Drying
Peanuts can also be dried in or out of the shell for later use in recipes. To dry peanuts, spread the kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a warm, dry place for several days, or until they are completely dry. Store the dried peanuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.
Before you go…
In conclusion, growing your own peanuts in the garden is a fun and rewarding experience that yields a nutritious crop. With a little care and attention, you can grow healthy and productive plants that provide you with a bounty of delicious peanuts.