How do you plant peanuts?

Plant peanuts by choosing the right variety of peanut for your location, choosing a good location in which to plant the peanuts, preparing the soil, shelling the peanuts and cultivating the soil. You need peanuts, a garden trowel, compost, sand and plastic row covers.

1. Choose the right variety for your location

   Choose a variety of peanut that can grow in your location. Peanut plants need between 100 and 130 frost-free days in order to grow. If you live in a northern climate with fewer frost-free days, choose the Early Spanish peanut that only requires 100 frost-free days.

2. Plant the peanuts in a good location

   Choose a location in which to plant the peanuts that receives full sun. Make sure the soil is well-drained.

3. Prepare the soil

   Prepare the soil by adding compost to it. If the soil does not drain well, add sand. Work the amendments into the soil.

4. Plant the peanuts

   Shell several peanuts. Dig 2-inch deep holes that are at least 8 inches apart. Place the peanut seeds in the holes, and cover them with soil.

5. Add plastic row covers

   Add plastic row covers to the plants in order to protect them from the cold.

6. Cultivate the soil

   Loosen the soil around the plants once they reach 6 inches in height.