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While many people are focused only on growing their own fruits, veggies, and herbs, don’t forget about nuts! There are many of them that you can grow right in your home, as long as you have the right climate and soil. Here are some easy to grow nuts to try growing at home.
Why would you want to grow nuts?
Nuts are healthy snack options. Though they're usually high in fat, the fat they contain is a healthy type. They're also good sources of fiber and protein. Many studies have shown that nuts provide various health benefits — especially in regards to reducing heart disease risk factors.
Nuts are my go-to snack option, especially when I am on the road. Even in the cold winter mornings of Wisconsin, I love to add a quarter cup of mixed nuts to my oatmeal, before a tiny bit of milk and then ripping into it.
How about nuts in baked goods?
My family oatmeal chocolate chip cookies have walnuts in them - but think about your favorite baked banana bread. Nuts really sweeten it and add a delightful texture.
Pecan pie. Don't those two words put a smile on your face and tug at your sweet tooth? It is fantastic for the holiday season.
Almonds
One of the best nuts to have in your healthy diet is almonds. These are really nutritious and a superfood, so you know they’re good for you! Almonds are perfect if you are on a low-carb diet and need the fiber without the carbs, or if you need more protein and iron while on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
I usually pack these up into 10-count snack-sized portions so they are ready to grab and go for anything from a lunch out to a road trip!
Almonds are often grown in California in the United States, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow them yourself. Many environments allow you to grow almond trees, but you do need a hot and dry climate. They really aren't that hard to grow nuts, just check out this video I found:
Hazelnuts
If you don’t live in the deep south, you should be able to grow some hazelnuts at home. You need a moderate climate where it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. You need up to 1,200 hours of chill in order to help flower the hazelnuts.
Who doesn't love a white chocolate chip and hazelnut cookie?
They aren’t easy to grow, but not impossible for someone who can spend the time and has patience with them. It is best when you use different cultivars in order for the best hazelnut crops. Aim for soil that has a moderate acidic level in it.
Here is a step-by-step guide to growing hazelnuts:
Walnuts
Walnuts are another nutritious nut that you can try growing yourself. There are some different types of walnuts, from heartnuts to black walnuts. To grow walnuts, you will need 400 to over 1,000 hours of cold weather, but you also want deep soil and plenty of sun. Like most nuts, walnuts require full sun during the growing season.
I have a ton of recipes for walnuts like Amazingly Moist Walnut Pineapple Quick Bread and even my Easy Overnight Maple Walnut Oats. Heck, you can even pair them with that pecan pie at Thanksgiving if you try our Classic Apple Sausage Walnut Dressing.
Walnuts are so incredibly versatile that they are honestly my favorite of all nuts!
Walnuts do take time, often a few years to grow completely since they need to be cross-pollinated. These are best for a large yard since the trees can get up to 100 feet tall, but they are great to have once the harvest begins.
While growing your own nuts is a big project and not as simple as fruits or vegetables, it is a good hobby for avid gardeners. You will have access to your own organic nuts, then can use them in different dishes or try various seasoning combinations.
Other articles you may find helpful if you liked how to grow nuts:
- How To Grow Spinach Indoors: A Beginner's Guide
- How to Use Old Tires in a Garden
- How To Grow Tulips Indoors
- Avoid Plant Damage: How To Safely Use Mushroom Compost
- 7 Tips for Gardening With a Bad Back
