When to plant Cowpeas in Lincoln Parish County,
Cowpeas planted in Lincoln Parish County between March 29 and April 19 matures in 90 days — well before the November 5 first frost.
When to Plant Cowpeas in Lincoln Parish, LA
Top priorities for Lincoln Parish, Louisiana gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lincoln Parish, Louisiana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: cowpeas
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Lincoln Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Lincoln Parish receives approximately 61.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cowpeas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cowpeas root diseases.
Lincoln Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Cowpeas 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 Lincoln Parish
How your county's soil matches Cowpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) is within Cowpeas's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln Parish is excellent for Cowpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cowpeas.
How to Plant Cowpeas
Succession Planting Cowpeas
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
Cowpeas Water Budget
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lincoln Parish). 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 — Lincoln Parish, LA
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Jul 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Lincoln Parish
Growing Tips for Cowpeas in Lincoln Parish
Direct sow Cowpeas outdoors after March 22 in Lincoln Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lincoln Parish, provide afternoon shade for Cowpeas and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Cowpeas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Lincoln Parish, LA?
Lincoln Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln Parish, LA?
Lincoln Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.
When should I plant Cowpeas in Lincoln Parish County, ?
In Lincoln Parish County, , plant Cowpeas after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lincoln Parish County, for Cowpeas?
Lincoln Parish County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Cowpeas grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cowpeas grow in Lincoln Parish County's climate?
Yes — Cowpeas grows well in Lincoln Parish County's temperate climate. Lincoln Parish County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 5.
Your Lincoln Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lincoln Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.