How to Plant Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas, also called cowpeas, crowder peas and southern peas, are actually a type of bean that originated in Africa. Tolerant of dry conditions, they thrive in hot, sunny weather and grow best in the southern United States. Black-eyed pea plants come in two varieties, vine and bush, which both grow from seeds readily available at garden stores. Farmers grow black-eyed peas in many parts of the world as food or as animal fodder. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to Plant Black-Eyed Peas
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Plant black-eyed peas in southern states is at the end of May or the beginning of June. In northern locations, plant them after the last chance of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot and turn the soil over thoroughly, mixing in some compost. Black-eyed peas grow best in sandy, well drained soil.
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Sow the seeds in rows 2 to 3 feet apart in the prepared bed, with a 3-inch gap between each seed. Put 1 to 2 inches of compost on top of the seeds and pat down gently.
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Water after sowing, and keep the soil damp until the seedlings appear. Young plants need regular watering, with time to dry out between soakings.
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Boost the growth of the established plants with a proprietary liquid feed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. You can buy liquid feed at garden stores.
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Harvest the pods, which contain the black-eyed peas, about 60 days after planting.
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Tips & Warnings
Harvest the crop early to eat the black-eyed peas fresh, or leave them on the plant longer to pick and dry them.
Use a pesticide to suppress aphids if they attack your crop.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit black eyed beans image by Martin Garnham from Fotolia.com
