How to Know When to Plant Peanuts

A little-known fact about peanuts is that they are actually a legume, like beans and peas, not a nut. Growing peanuts in your garden is a fun and easy way to teach children about gardening--and they make a great snack, too. Knowing when to plant them is key for a successful harvest. Follow these steps to know when to plant peanuts in your garden.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Know what zone you live in. This will help you determine if your peanut crop will receive 120 frost-free days before the first Fall frost. Go to the United States National Arboretum website and find the "Zone Hardiness Map."

2. Determine if the zone that you live in can sustain the peanut crop. If you live in an area that does not receive enough warm days, your peanut crop will not yield as much and you should consider planting something else or planting the peanuts indoors.

3. Acquire the seeds. You can plant from a shelled, raw peanut that you get at the grocery store; but purchasing seeds that were intended for planting is advisable.

4. Plant the seeds after the last frost of the Spring. This will be determined by which zone you live in. Be sure to work the soil thoroughly before planting.

5. Water the peanut plants. Water them periodically and watch them grow. It is quite fascinating and children love to watch the process. The peanut plants are very hardy and do not require a lot of attention.

Resources

• US Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone Maps.