Peanuts: how to grow them in the garden

Choosing the right spot in your garden is key to growing healthy peanuts. Peanuts grow best in warm, sunny areas with soil that drains well. When picking a planting place, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight each day and is protected from strong winds.

The soil should not hold water, as too much moisture can cause the peanuts to rot. If you do not have a suitable open space, consider growing peanuts in containers instead.

Peanuts are usually planted when the soil has warmed enough, as they love heat. The ideal soil temperature is 15 degrees Celsius or higher. In the South, you can plant peanuts at the end of May. In the North, wait until early June.

Preparing the soil properly is very important. Water the soil before planting and remove any weeds or rocks that could block growth. The soil should be rich in nutrients, with a pH between 5.9 and 7.0. Adding compost or well-rotted manure helps improve soil quality before planting.

Choosing good seeds is also vital. If you buy seeds from a store, remove the shells from unshelled peanuts. Keep the reddish-brown husk on the seed. Soak the seeds in damp cloth, cheesecloth, or cotton to start germination.

Keep them in a warm, dry place until they sprout. Once sprouted, you can plant the seeds in prepared soil. Dig small holes, put the seeds inside, then cover them lightly with soil. Water the area well and keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout.

You can also buy tested peanut seeds from garden stores. These usually give better results than buying seeds from random markets.

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