Purchasing and Preparing Peanuts

To start growing peanuts, you'll need to purchase fresh, raw peanuts from a grocery store.

Look for unshelled peanuts that are free from molds or cracks.

Once you have your peanuts, soak them in water overnight to soften the shells.

After soaking, you can remove the shells to reveal the seeds inside.

Fresh, raw peanuts from the grocery store

Soaking peanuts overnight

Planting and Growing Peanuts

Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil to plant your peanuts.

Make sure the soil is loose and has been enriched with compost or organic matter.

Dig a trench about 3 inches deep and place the peanut seeds in the trench, spacing them about 6 inches apart.

Cover the seeds with soil and water them gently.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

In a few weeks, you will start to see green shoots emerging from the soil.

Caring for Peanut Plants

Peanut plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist.

Avoid watering the foliage to prevent diseases.

Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

As the plants grow, you can provide support by staking them or using tomato cages.

Remove any weeds that compete with the peanut plants for nutrients and water.

Harvesting and Storing Peanuts

Peanuts are ready for harvest when the foliage turns yellow and starts to dry out.

Carefully dig up the plants, making sure not to damage the peanut pods.

Gently shake off the excess soil and remove any remaining foliage.

Allow the peanuts to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for about two weeks.

Once dry, you can store the peanuts in a cool, dry place in mesh bags or containers.

Incorporating Peanuts into Your Diet

Peanuts are not only delicious, but they also offer numerous health benefits.

You can enjoy them as a snack, add them to salads, or use them in cooking and baking.

Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.

Including them in your diet can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious meal plan.