When to Plant Cowpeas in Jasper 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.
Jasper County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,384 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Jasper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Jasper 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
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
190 days
Growing Tips for Jasper 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 Jasper County, IL?
Jasper 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 Jasper County, IL?
Jasper County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jasper County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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