David Wall
Peanut plants are somewhat unique in that they flower like a traditional vegetable plant but instead of producing their “fruit” above ground, they send what are called pegs down into the dirt to produce their nuts below ground.
The 4-5-month requirement is hard to squeeze in for many climates. The soil and air must warm up, and harvest has to occur before first frost. Fortunately, a way to cheat the weather is in a container.
Containers work well for several reasons. First, starting something new like peanuts is always a challenge. Then, containers lower the soil requirements in your garden.
An advantage of containers is that they don’t require a large space in your garden. Then if you place your containers where they will get enough sunlight, the peanuts will grow. No special soil is required, although many like potting soil.
Buy your “seeds” from a nursery. They’ll usually germinate in 7-10 days. After a month or so, flowers appear. Then, pegs (offshoots from the flower) grow downward to the soil, penetrate it, and start producing peanuts. Now, you’re at about 4 months. In another month, pull the entire plant up with peanuts attached. Let the nuts dry for 10-14 days and start enjoying the harvest.