How to Plant Twin Rows of Peanuts

Although people treat and eat peanuts as nuts, these are actually legumes, with pods and seeds. Peanuts hail from South America, but have a long history in the U.S., and grow well in any area that offers 110 to 130 days of frost-free summer growing. Peanuts grow well in a range of soil types, but always need loose soil, good drainage, plenty of warmth, water and protection during their growth. Plant several rows of peanuts in your summer garden to enjoy a nutty harvest in fall.

Garden fork
Organic compost
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant peanuts just after the last frost lifts, when temperatures reach 65 F. Peanuts cannot tolerate frost at the beginning or end of their growing season, and grow well alongside other summer vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and beans.
- 2
  Find a site that gives you quick drainage, full sunshine and at least 10 square feet of space for growing multiple rows of peanuts. Turn over the top 6 to 10 inches of soil, pull out rocks and weeds, and mix 4 inches of organic compost into the natural soil. The compost increases drainage and nutrition in the soil. If this is a new site, mix one handful of 8-8-8 fertilizer into every 10 square feet. If this is an established garden, don't add fertilizer.
- 3
  Push peanut seeds 1 to 1 1/2 inches into the soil at every 6 to 18 inches, depending on cultivar size. Run rows the length of your planting site, and give each row 24 to 36 inches of space.
- 4
  Water the site with 2 to 3 inches of water and lay 1 to 2 inches of organic mulch between the rows to minimize weed growth.

Do You Shell Peanuts Before Planting?

Information About the Peanut Plant, Its Cultivation & Uses

Growing Peanuts