Introduction
Growing peanuts can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people shy away from growing peanuts due to the common misconception that they are hard to grow. However, with the right guidance, anyone can grow peanuts successfully regardless of the size of their garden or outdoor space. This article’s main objective is to give a step-by-step guide to growing peanuts and share with you the benefits of growing this crop. So, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide
Planting
Before planting peanuts, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a healthy yield. Peanuts grow best in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. It would be best if you also had sufficient sunlight and warm soil. Wet soil can rot the peanut seeds, so be sure not to over-water them.
Start by setting up furrows that are about an inch deep, and they should be 10 to 12 inches apart. Place the seeds in the furrows about two inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil carefully and water them, making sure they get sufficient moisture. It would be best if you kept the soil consistently moist until germination. Germination usually takes about 10 days, depending on the weather and soil temperature.
Care and Maintenance
Watering is crucial when it comes to growing peanuts. However, it would be best if you never watered excessively as it can lead to rotting of the peanut seeds. Therefore, it is best to water peanuts twice a week.
Prevention is always the best method when it comes to controlling pests and insects. As for peanuts, it would be best to inspect the crop regularly for insects such as grubs, beetles, and aphids. You can also protect the plants by spraying them with insecticidal soap. Also, remember to remove any weeds that sprout up nearby, as they can compete for nutrients in the soil.
Fertilization is another key aspect of peanut care. It would be best to add balanced fertilizer or compost to the soil at the beginning of planting and once when the plant is about 30 days old. You should also side-dress with nitrogen six weeks after planting. Peanuts are sensitive to high levels of nitrogen. Another way of controlling weed growth is through hilling. By piling soil around the base of the plants, it helps to kill anything growing nearby.
Harvest
Harvesting peanuts usually takes about 120 to 160 days depending on the variety, climate, and soil conditions. A fully-grown peanut should have a mature brown pod, and the leaves will begin to turn yellow. To check if the peanuts are ready to be harvested, dig around near the base of the plant to make sure the peanuts are fully developed.
After harvesting, it’s time to clean and process the peanuts. First, you need to dry them on a clean surface in a well-ventilated area for a few days to remove any excess moisture. Once dry, remove the outer shell. You can use a hand process or a mechanical peanut sheller to do this. After shelling, sort the peanuts for any impurities, and your groundnuts are ready for consumption.
Benefits of Growing Peanuts
Peanuts have significant nutritional value and can also generate income. There are also several uses of peanuts, as they are a versatile crop. Farmers can sell their crops in their local markets or use them for processing into peanut butter, roasted nuts, or oil. Peanut flour is also used in baking some global cuisines, such as African cuisine.
Peanuts are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a crucial dietary addition. They are also a great snacking option and ideal for weight management. Harvesting your peanuts ensures they are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals that usually accompany commercially grown products.
DIY Peanut Farm
Now that you have a clear understanding of how to grow peanuts, let’s dive into the location and equipment necessary to set up a peanut farm.
You’d need a spacious area with well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and a reliable source of water. The equipment needed includes cultivators, irrigation pipes, harvesters, and shelling tools. When starting, it is best to plant just a few rows while starting. Once you have a good harvest, you can expand to make it a profitable venture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When growing peanuts, mistakes can be costly, and it is best to avoid them. Overwatering peanuts can lead to seed-rot, stunted growth, and even death. This is because peanuts prefer well-drained soil. It would be best not to plant peanuts in soils that have a hard pan or compacted layer. This type of soil leads to stunted growth, and the yield will not be favorable.
Another common mistake is planting the crop too early in the season. Peanuts require warm soil for proper germination. Therefore planting too early may result in stunted growth and lower crop yield. Lack of adequate sunshine can also slow down growth and affect the crop yield. Therefore choose a location that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
Growing Peanuts in Small Spaces
Don’t let small spaces discourage you from trying your hand at peanut farming. You can grow peanuts in containers or even in planting bags. Use soil that is well-drained to prevent the seeds from rotting. Fill the container with the soil and add plenty of compost at the beginning for essential nutrients. After planting, place the container or planting bag in a sunny location.
To Harvest or Not to Harvest?
Should the peanuts be harvested early or left in the ground longer? This is a common question among peanut farmers, and the answer depends on what the farmer wants. Early harvesting results in crispier nuts while those left on the ground longer will have a better flavor. However, they could be tough and chewy. Therefore, it would help if you planned well to avoid harvesting too early or leaving them in the ground for an extended period.
Conclusion
Growing peanuts is a fulfilling activity. Getting a profitable harvest is the ultimate goal for farmers, and by following the tips highlighted in this article’s step-by-step guide, you can have a successful peanut crop in your backyard. Whether you have a small garden, balcony, or spacious land, it’s possible to grow peanuts, and we hope that this guide has given you the necessary information to start.
