When to Plant Cowpeas in Cook 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.
Cook County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 728 feet, Cook County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Cook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Cook County, IL
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
177 days
Growing Tips for Cook 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cowpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cowpeas in Cook County, IL?
Cook County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cook County, IL?
Cook County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cook County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.