What To Know
- Fertilize creeping peanut once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
- Creeping peanut is a leguminous plant, which means it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by plants.
- In addition to its traditional uses as a groundcover and living mulch, creeping peanut can also be used in a variety of creative ways.
Creeping peanut, also known as Arachis repens, is a low-growing, leguminous groundcover that offers numerous benefits to gardeners and landscapers alike. Its dense growth habit, ability to suppress weeds, and nitrogen-fixing properties make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, including erosion control, wildlife habitat creation, and as a living mulch. If you’re considering adding creeping peanut to your landscape, follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to plant and care for this versatile groundcover.
Choosing the Right Location
Creeping peanut thrives in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will produce the best growth and coverage in full sun. The soil should be loose and friable, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil is compacted or has poor drainage, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting creeping peanut, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. This involves removing any existing vegetation, such as weeds or grass, and tilling the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. If you’re planting creeping peanut in a new area, you may also need to add fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, can be applied at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Planting Creeping Peanut
Creeping peanut can be planted from seed or from rooted cuttings. If you’re planting from seed, sow the seeds directly into the prepared soil in the spring or early summer. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep, and water them well. If you’re planting from rooted cuttings, space them about 12 inches apart and water them well.
Watering and Fertilizing
Creeping peanut requires regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, it can tolerate some drought conditions, but it will produce the best growth and coverage with regular watering. Fertilize creeping peanut once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Mowing and Maintenance
Creeping peanut can be mowed to maintain a desired height and appearance. Mow it to a height of 2-3 inches as needed, but avoid mowing it too short, as this can damage the plants. Creeping peanut is generally low-maintenance, but it may require occasional weeding to control unwanted vegetation.
Benefits of Creeping Peanut
Creeping peanut offers numerous benefits to gardeners and landscapers. These include:
- Erosion control: Creeping peanut’s dense growth habit helps to hold soil in place, preventing erosion. This makes it an ideal choice for slopes and other areas prone to erosion.
- Weed suppression: Creeping peanut’s dense growth habit also helps to suppress weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
- Nitrogen fixation: Creeping peanut is a leguminous plant, which means it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by plants. This can help to improve the fertility of the soil and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer.
- Wildlife habitat: Creeping peanut provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and deer.
- Living mulch: Creeping peanut can be used as a living mulch around trees and shrubs. It helps to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and improve the soil.
Creative Uses for Creeping Peanut
In addition to its traditional uses as a groundcover and living mulch, creeping peanut can also be used in a variety of creative ways. These include:
- Green roofs: Creeping peanut can be used to create green roofs, which provide a number of benefits, including reducing energy costs, improving air quality, and providing habitat for wildlife.
- Rain gardens: Creeping peanut can be used in rain gardens to help filter stormwater runoff and reduce flooding.
- Erosion control blankets: Creeping peanut can be used to create erosion control blankets, which are used to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
- Compost: Creeping peanut can be composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How often should I water creeping peanut?
A: Creeping peanut requires regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, it can tolerate some drought conditions, but it will produce the best growth and coverage with regular watering.
Q: How often should I fertilize creeping peanut?
A: Fertilize creeping peanut once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Q: How do I control weeds in creeping peanut?
A: Creeping peanut’s dense growth habit helps to suppress weeds, but occasional weeding may be necessary. Hand-pulling weeds is the most effective way to control them, but you can also use a hoe or cultivator to remove larger weeds.
