This summer, I decided to try something new in the garden—planting cowpeas, a legume very similar to black-eyed peas. I had read about their resilience and soil benefits, but I can honestly say I’ve learned so much more in the process. Here are a few takeaways from my first season growing these humble yet powerful plants:
1. Cowpeas Love the Heat—More Than I Do
While other plants drooped under Florida’s blazing sun, the cowpeas thrived. They didn’t just survive the scorching days—they flourished.
2. They Feed the Soil—And Me
As legumes, cowpeas help fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for whatever I plant next. They also fed us: the grandkids helped harvest and taste them. I used them in a curry stew and tossed them into salads. Nothing tastes better than what you grow yourself.
3. Not All Growth Is Fast
They started off slow, but once the roots took hold, they shot up quickly, filling in with healthy green leaves. It reminded me that patience pays off—some things grow deep before they grow tall.
4. The Garden Gives Back
Beyond the food and soil benefits, the cowpea plants offered something simple yet beautiful: delicate flowers that added charm to the garden.
Planting cowpeas has been a refreshing and rewarding experience. Sometimes, the best lessons are found in the garden.
Healthy Collage 