How to Plant Peanuts

Check the calendar. For peanuts to grow properly, they'll need to be planted after the last threat of frost and also need to stay underground in a sandy soil for about 140 days. If your weather and soil type doesn't quite support this, consider either growing your peanuts inside, or add something different to your garden.

Work the soil. As previously noted, peanuts need fairly sandy soil and good drainage in your garden. Work the soil with a significant amount of manure and compost to help establish good drainage. Consider making mounded rows to also assist with drainage.

Buy peanuts! You don't need to buy peanuts specially from a nursery to plant. Just buy raw peanuts (still in the shell) from your local supermarket.

Plant peanuts! Now that the soil in your garden is ready, it is time to plant the peanuts. They should be planted several inches deep (3 to 5 inches is ideal). Consider mounding in rows to assist with drainage if your soil is not quite of a sandy texture.

Water your peanut garden. Watering peanuts can be somewhat tricky. You want to keep the soil moist, especially on hot summer days. But also be careful not to over water and "drench" the peanuts as they will not react well to excess water. The amount of precipitation in your climate will dictate how often they need to be watered.

Harvest! Over time, the peanuts will grow from a large stem which pushes downward into the soil. After the first fall frost it is time to harvest your peanuts. Pull the entire plant out of the ground. Then let it sit for a day or two until completely dry. After which, it's time to enjoy the peanuts you planted in your very own garden!