When to Plant Cowpeas in Howard County, NE
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.
Howard County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 844 feet, Howard County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cowpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 — Howard County, NE
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, NE?
Howard County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, NE?
Howard County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Howard County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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