How to grow peanuts in the northern Midwest

Planting

• 1

  Choose a garden plot area that contains sandy soil. A plot area that receives full sun works best. If the soil does not contain sand, a smaller plot works with gravel under the soil. In early spring when the snow has melted and the ground begins to thaw, till a plot area and mix in commercial garden fertilizer. Fertilizer needs time to enrich the soil nutrients and pH balance. Fertilize the soil at least a month before planting to ensure soil enrichment.

• 2

  Using a small spade or by hand, make a 1- to 2-inch-deep indentation in the soil for rows. Place one peanut at a time approximately 6 inches apart. Cover the peanuts firmly with soil, but do not pack tightly. Water the rows until the ground surrounding all planted peanuts looks wet.

• 3

  Peanut plants in the south require 1 to 2 inches of water a week. A peanut plant in the north may need less water during cooler days and more water during hot and humid stretches. A daily watering each early morning provides enough moisture. Once seedlings emerge, watering them regularly avoids the threat of saturation (when watered occasionally with larger amounts of water). The emerging of seedlings typically occurs around 10 days.

• 4

  Blossoms appear on peanut plants after the plant matures into full green plants. The appearance of blossoms reassures the grower that the stem and ovaries of the plant are growing successfully in the ground. The peanut plant requires a growing season of approximately 100 days of non-frost weather. If frost temperatures threaten, the grower should cover the peanut plants or area with old bed sheets to protect the plants or seeds.

• 5

  The peanut plant matures during late fall. The recognizable sign of maturity consists of yellowish brown leaves, meaning the plant itself is dying. Once the plant reaches this stage, the grower can harvest the peanuts. Take a pitchfork and dig deep 6 to 10 inches around the base of the plant stem to loosen the plant's root growing area. Once the ground loosens, carefully pull the plant up from the ground and shake off any excess dirt. The roots of the plant contain the peanut pods.