Vermont Gardener Discovers Secrets of Growing Peanuts
In a delightful twist for gardening enthusiasts, Vermont local Charlie has successfully cultivated peanuts, a warm-season legume typically challenging to grow in the region’s cooler climate. His journey began when a listener sent him seeds and advice about growing peanuts in Vermont, which sparked a series of experiments that ultimately led to success—despite some initial setbacks with hungry mice.
Peanuts, native to South America and cherished by ancient civilizations like the Incas and Aztecs, require four to five months of warm weather to thrive. Recognizing Vermont’s unpredictable summers, Charlie ingeniously created a microclimate by moving his crop into an unheated greenhouse. However, the invasion of mice led him to adapt his approach further, leading to the use of elevated raised beds filled with potting soil and compost, effectively keeping the unwelcome rodents at bay.
Charlie recommends the Tennessee Red Valencia variety for those interested in growing peanuts. Planting the crop in June allows for a manageable harvest by October, making it a feasible gardening venture for locals. Once harvested, the peanuts need to cure for two to three weeks before they can be roasted and enjoyed—a rewarding endeavor for any gardener.
In addition to peanut cultivation, Charlie also addressed concerns from local gardeners regarding leggy brassicas and lilacs. Specifically, he advised on managing kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts planted from seed, and provided insights on rejuvenating lilacs that had exhausted themselves after abundant blooming.
For those grappling with gardening queries, they can submit their questions via email or voicemail to be featured on Vermont Public’s "All Things Gardening," airing Sundays at 9:35 a.m. Join Charlie and the community in exploring the joys and challenges of gardening in Vermont.
————————————————————————
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
————————————————————————
