If you came to the AGM in February, or sent your apologies, you will have been given some packs of seeds to grow for the summer and autumn shows. The growing instructions are here:
AGM 2024 – Free Gifts!!!
Autumn Show — Members-only Class
PEANUT YIELD: total number of pods harvested from the two pods provided.
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are perennial legumes native to South America but they can be grown as an annual in the UK.
Following pollination, the peanut flowers grow downwards towards the soil where the peanut pods develop – leading to the common name of ‘groundnut’.
Peanuts: Growing Instructions for Showing
Position: Peanuts may be grown in the ground or in containers. Choose a sunny, well drained site. Peanuts need a long growing season, and so may benefit from being grown in a conservatory or greenhouse.
Sowing: Sow indoors in March. Crack and remove the shells. Soak the peanuts in water for 12 hours. Sow single peanuts 25 – 50mm (1 – 2 inches) deep in pre-watered compost. Put the pots in a warm, sunny place and water regularly but do not allow them to become waterlogged.
Growing on: Plant out in early summer, once all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Space 30 – 45cm (1 to 1 ½ foot) apart or plant individually in large containers. Keep moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season. The leaves will fold up at night – this is normal and nothing to worry about.
Pegging: The pollinated flowers will swell and will start to grow downwards towards the soil. They will eventually peg and bury the pods into the soil. You can mulch around the base of the plants to help the pegging process.
Harvesting: Peanuts are ready to harvest 120-150 days after planting. Once the plant is fully wilted and yellow, carefully dig up the plant, taking care not to damage the peanuts. Shake off any excess soil. Lay the plants somewhere dry and with good air circulation for a fortnight.
After the peanuts have dried, gently remove the pods from the plants. Store the pods in a dry and well-ventilated area for a further two weeks to cure.
Staging: Bring your entire dried harvest, grown from the two peanut pods provided, to the Autumn Show.
Count the number of whole pods you have harvested and display this number next to your entry.
