When to Plant Cowpeas in Tulare County, CA
Your May planting checklist for Tulare County, California
May is a pivotal month for Tulare County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the cowpeas
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: cowpeas
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.
Tulare County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 5,836 feet, Tulare County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Cowpeas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cowpeas successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Tulare County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Tulare County
How your county's soil matches Cowpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.2) overlaps with Cowpeas's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tulare County is excellent for Cowpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cowpeas.
How to Plant Cowpeas
Succession Planting Cowpeas
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cowpeas
Cowpeas needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cowpeas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Tulare County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cowpeas Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Tulare County, CA
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jun 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Tulare County
Growing Tips for Cowpeas in Tulare County
Direct sow Cowpeas outdoors after February 17 in Tulare County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cowpeas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Tulare County receives only 18" of rain annually. Cowpeas needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cowpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cowpeas in Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Tulare County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tulare County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.