When to Plant Cowpeas in Walworth County, WI
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.
Walworth County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,101 feet, Walworth County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Walworth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.9
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Walworth County, WI
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 |
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
170 days
Growing Tips for Walworth 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 Walworth County, WI?
Walworth County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walworth County, WI?
Walworth County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Walworth County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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