Plants for peanuts!
I’m taking a leaf out of my fellow Big Allotment Challenge contestant, Rekha’s book, and having a go at growing peanuts this year. I managed to find a supplier online but, alternatively, you could try planting a few monkey nuts (still in the shell) from the greengrocer. Peanuts like sandy, free-draining soil and warm temperatures, so unless you have a tunnel or greenhouse they’re probably not for you. When the yellow, pea-like flower is pollinated, it droops to the ground and starts to grow downwards and produce the nuts. This method of growing, known as ‘pegging’, means that you’ll need to grow the plant in a large 45-60cm (18-24in) container. Keep the plants well-watered, especially in hot weather and you’ll be rewarded with lovely yellow flowers and a good crop of nuts at the end of the season.