When to Plant Cowpeas in Box Elder County, UT
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.
Box Elder County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 4,039 feet, Box Elder County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Box Elder County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Box Elder County, UT
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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
134 days
Growing Tips for Box Elder 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 Box Elder County, UT?
Box Elder County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Box Elder County, UT?
Box Elder County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Box Elder County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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