Growing Peanuts - Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Valencia Peanuts
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Improve Soil - Peanuts are a legume, and like all legumes have the ability to fix valuable nitrogen into the soil. Peanuts also increase your soils organic matter and increases soil porosity.
- Nutritional Profile - Peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse. High in monounsaturated fats, protein, niacin, vitamin E and copper.
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Use in: Roasted as a snack, fresh peanut butter.
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Sun Exposure: Choose a full sun location.
Soil: Peanuts prefer sandy, loose, well-draining soil. Do not sow peanuts after potatoes or beans have been grown in the plot, as they are susceptible to the same diseases. Prepare a bed by tilling or digging in a couple of inches of compost or rotted manure down to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Peanuts need plenty of calcium. To add calcium into the soil, amend it with gypsum.
Moisture: Soak the plants deeply once or twice a week. Pay special attention to consistent watering 50 to 100 days from sowing when the pods are nearing the soil’s surface. As the plants near maturity, allow the soil to dry out.
Planting: Plant the peanut seeds after the soil has warmed, about three weeks after the last frost. The peanut seedlings will appear about a week after sowing and will then grow slowly for a month. Don’t worry; growth is occurring but just under the soil’s surface.
Spacing: Plant 1 Peanut per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method. Or plant in rows 4-6 inches apart.
Sow seeds: Soak the seeds in water overnight to stimulate germination, and plant seeds less then 2 inches deep.
Harvesting:
Peanuts will be ready for harvest when the leaves turn yellow and begin to wither, usually 120 to 150 days after planting. Lift pods with a garden fork, pulling up the whole plant. Shake away loose soil and hang the whole plant to dry for about two weeks in a warm, dry place. Seeds can be removed when the hulls are completely dry.
Storage/Preparation:
Raw, unshelled peanuts can be kept in a dry, dark, well-ventilated place for up to 3 months. Dried shelled peanuts can be stored in a cool, dry place for 10 to 12 months. Shelled peanuts can be sprouted, frozen, roasted or used for peanut butter.
Companions:
Strawberries, lettuces, radish, snowpeas.