When to Plant Cowpeas in Bond County, IL
Cowpeas (black-eyed peas) are a heat-loving legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. They are drought-tolerant and produce protein-rich pods in hot conditions.
Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 587 feet, Bond County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Bond County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Bond County, IL
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Bond County
Growing Tips for Bond County
Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen as cowpeas fix their own. Harvest pods when they begin to dry on the vine for dry beans.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cowpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cowpeas in Bond County, IL?
Bond County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bond County, IL?
Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bond County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.