3 Uses for Cowpeas + My Favorite Types to Plant

[@EatSeeRV]

Wow, I had no idea about the bacteria! So cool to learn how it all works, and cowpeas can naturally produce nitrogen.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

not just cowpeas but all legumes/beans! science/nature is pretty cool.

[@fishingpinky3165]

I ordered you Cowpea seeds and the plants are thriving! Cant wait for my first harvest.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Wonderful!

[@MammaMcMasters3]

Hmmm do you have any good recipes for them fresh?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Any recipe that uses dry beans can have fresh subbed. You just don't have to soak the beans and cook time is typically less. Fresh is easier to prepare! They just obviously don't store on the shelf so you would have to use fresh or freeze them.

[@starryeyedwish8005]

When you are ready for a new crop, do you pull out tge whole plant or chop and leave the roots?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I cut at the soil surface and allow the roots to decompose in place. It helps aerate the soil and put nitrogen back into it as well.

[@zsepthenne9584]

Thanks for the info! Is there any way I could grow these in containers?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Yes, they would be fine growing from a container but you need to realize they will quickly sprawl out of it and onto the ground. If your ok with it then the cow peas are ok with it ; )

[@gracebrown1404]

We trellis them with 2x4 wire fencing available at all feed stores, they love to climb and are easier to find and pick. Aphids are carried to them by carpenter ants, (my theory anyway ). Also susceptible to rust fungal infection. Use an insetacidal soap spray for aphids, copper spray for fungus. Ken

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

@@gracebrown1404the ants definitely tend the aphids for sure! I usually just let the ladybugs manage it.

[@Rick-uu4iu]

Great video. Question: I grew 5 rows of cowpeas early spring (purple hull). I’m in NW Florala. They seem to have stopped producing even though the plant still looks healthy. I was wondering if I should remove the plants and replant for a summer crop OR will the plants start producing again? Help. I’ve never grown these before. Thanks for your help. 😊

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

They do have an end of life yes. You can replant some of the seed you save from them for another round. Many folks dont plant until summer so dont run into this.

[@garythornbury9793]

I container garden on my patio in the large black plastic cattle molasses contains filled with potting soil and it is infected with early and late blight , it kills my tomatoes, do you have any advice on how to get rid of the blight? any advice is much appreciated.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Get rid of the plants that are infected and remove any debris that has fallen. Add a nice layer of mulch to reduce the spores splashing. And prune off the lower branches so they arent laying on the soil. If this is an issue several seasons you may want to remove the top 6 inches or so of soil and add fresh.

[@garythornbury9793]

@@TheUrbanHarvest thank you I will do this

[@ashleyd3911]

I had a big problem with spider mites this year with my cowpeas in central Florida. Do you have any tips for getting rid of them? I’m assuming the affected plants have to be thrown in the garbage?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

If its one or two plants and you feel they are containing you can remove those plants and dispose of them. But they are likely in the environment. You can manage with blasting the plants with a hose to disperse them, hand squishing with soapy water, or if absolutely necessary you can use neem. But I usually leave that as a last resort only if the damage is going to prevent your from harvesting your crop.

[@damedesmontagnes]

How tall do red cowpeas get? They need a string to be twisted around?

[@baneverything5580]

Red Ripper Peas can be grown with a trellis or not. But they`ll spread everywhere. You don`t have to support them. Try both ways and experiment.

[@peggybuti1896]

I have been looking for cow peas in Lows but could not find them! Do they have another name? Brand new to gardening!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Cow pea, field pea, dry bean, you can easily find them online. I carry them in my seed shop or you can find them at most seed websites. SESE is a good one for the south. My shop is www.theurbanharvest.com/seed-shop/

[@rg1599]

You can plant black eyed peas from the grocery store. That’s all I use.

[@uptownscenery9175]

Black eye peas

[@baneverything5580]

Buy a bag of dry blackeyed peas and plant them. Saves money.

[@nancyfahey7518]

I gave you a thumbs up but people have to know how to store them or cook them or just plain eat them. Can they be eaten raw? Do you eat the hull? Etc.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Most people cook them but if they are picked green they can be eaten raw I suppose. They can be frozen if green or if brown they are shelf stable and can be kept in a jar/Tupperware/bag. Lots of recipes online!

[@Peaceriverwarrior]

You stated “many people overlooked as a food source”? It’s number one reason to grow is as a food source. Used as an intentional ground cover would be more overlooked.

[@pinkpowerrangerpv]

Can cowpeas grow up a trellis?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

There are bush and running types. The runners can. They aren't as graceful at it as other vines but they manage.

[@jim-michellekelly6495]

I started Whippoorwill cow peas a few weeks back. First time growing them. As I was preparing for Hurricane Debby I noticed the leaders were bending over and I thought they would break off in the high wind so I staked they to bamboo stakes. Should I remove the stakes now and let them ramble across the beds? I have sweet corn in the row behind the peas and Seminole pumpkins in the row in front. I thought of a string trellis for the peas or should I just let them run wild?