Peanuts are wonder nuts. It is very rich in essential nutrients. Aside from being healthy, it is also very tasty.
It can be eaten in a variety of ways – boiled, fried, or roasted. Whichever way, peanuts sure make for a tasty and healthy snack.
To grow peanuts is very easy, especially under controlled conditions. You must remember that peanuts naturally require sunlight. They need warm weather to thrive.
They will die off easily with frost or mist so you must keep them away from those two conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow peanuts right in your own garden.
Step 1: Choose the planting location. The soil suitable for peanut planting is a moist, sandy soil. If you are planting it in a pot, make sure that there are about three inches of extra room down below for the pegs or the peanuts to grow.
If you are planting peanuts in an open field, that would be much better. Make sure though that you keep it well-spaced.
Step 2: Plant the seeds or the peanuts still in their shell. Keep the seeds at least 18 inches apart. That will allow enough space for the pegs below to grow.
If you want to take advantage of the season, it is advisable that you start planting your peanuts indoors, in paper pots.
Once the frost has disappeared, you can take advantage of the sunlight and submerge the paper pot in the whole of your outdoor garden.
Step 3: Water your plants generously until flowers start to sprout. As soon as you plant flowers, you can reduce the amount of water you feed it with.
Feed your peanuts regularly, at evenly spaced intervals. That will ensure that the soil is moist all the time.
Step 4: Make sure that you constantly check on the soil around your plants, ensuring that it is moist and far from crusting. Keep the soil bed weed-free and pest-free.
Step 5: Peanuts grow between 95 and 150 days depending on the variety. Make sure that you know the kind you are growing so you know how much time you need to wait before you harvest.
One good sign that your peanuts are ready is to see withering, yellowish leaves. To harvest, use a fork, a garden fork that will help you poke through the soil for pods.
Pull up the plant and hang it dry. As soon as the plant dries, you can start removing the seeds and feed on your hard work.
