When to plant Cowpeas in DeWitt County, IL
Plant Cowpeas in DeWitt County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 22. Continue planting through May 13 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Cowpeas in DeWitt 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.
DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cowpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
DeWitt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — DeWitt County, IL
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 5 |
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
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in DeWitt County
Growing Tips for DeWitt 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cowpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cowpeas in DeWitt County, IL?
DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?
DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Cowpeas in DeWitt County, IL?
In DeWitt County, IL, plant Cowpeas after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Cowpeas?
DeWitt County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cowpeas grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cowpeas grow in DeWitt County's climate?
Yes — Cowpeas grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.