cowpeas

[gardenbee]

I've planted Ozark Razorback, Corrientes, White Whippoorwill and Lady Peas.
I've never grown these before. Can someone tell me when to pick and the general use of them? They all seem to be growing great.
Thanks

[GreenZone]

You can use cowpeas as greenbeans, or shell beans or dry beans.

Pick the pods when still small and tender. For shell beans pick when full-sized but while the peas are still tender. For dry, wait till the pods turn brown, but pick them before the pods split open.

[drobinson]

As a side note on cowpeas, in addition to good eating, they are great also
as a cover crop for areas of your garden that you are not going to use after the spring crop comes off. I recently planted my former corn patch and melon patch in purple hull and cow peas. They are up already and will grow out to produce a crop to eat and add nitrogen to the soil besides. Along about October 15, I will mow them down and till them in, and plant crimson clover for a winter cover crop. This too is a legume and will add nitrogen to the soil, as well as tilth to keep it loose and friable. It is not a good idea to leave your garden bare for very long. The rain will leach out too many nutrients, or the hot sun will bake it dry, and the grass and weeds will take over.

[Jodi]

And don't forget to check out the
spring 2005 issue of the Heirloom Gardener magazine.
There is a cowpea article published in that issue on the history and uses.

[gardenbee]

Thanks so much for all the info on cowpeas. They certainly are versatile!
Gardenbee :)

[louanne]

was just reading on the cow peas in the 2005 catalogue....
question...since I wont be able to have an open garden space to do the cow peas....
what could I grow overwinter this year in my garden space..I read the above mentioned clover...where can this sort of item be purchased?

[zebraman]

Hey Louanne;This is Not the only source-
http://www.bountifulgardens.org/

[louanne]

thank yo zebra...I am sure its not....but you know...homeis where the heart is.....I amjust startingout with much of this....
it was my intention at first when we moved here to try and do most items indigenous to missouri....but I havejust oooo much fun....trying things....
but I have found it easier to stay local.....with most things....

[johnsonjrbm]

I read the above mentioned clover...where can this sort of item be purchased?

Z-man listed a reliable source for crimson clover seeds. If you shop somewhere else, make certain they don't try to sell you red clover seeds instead. Crimson clover is an annual that is a good cover crop. Red clover is a perennial that spreads by runners, and can be a pain to eradicate.

[louanne]

thank you both..I WILL..check out the sources you have

cheers to teh west coast...!!!!
oh I got the catalogue fromthe iris place

[louanne]

awe shoot I went a bought some cow peas today....gonna throw them in and let them go them turn them under...if I get a few cow peas..by golly Ill make some soup

[sugarcanedaddy]

Man do I love me some cowpeas!!!!!! I plant Mississippi Silver,Brown Crowder,Tex pink eye/purple hull, zipper cream (my fav) I pick when tender and late in the fall i let them get hard and put them in crawfish sacks to dry when dry take them out on hard ground and beat the hell out of them, mulch the hulls and store the beans it use, I freeze them 1 or 2 days (kills the weevols) and store them in fruit jars--------------Dan:D

SugarCaneDaddy's Cream peas w/shrimp
1 1/2 lb dry cream peas
1 onion chopped
1/2 sweet (bell) pepper
2 tbs chopped garlic
1/2 cup copped celery
1/2 cup minced parsley
1 small smoked ham hock
1 cup chopped Andouille Sausage
1/2 tsp liquid crab boil
1lb 30-40 ct peeled shrimp
Tonys Creole Seasoning
Crystal Hot Sauce
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
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Now here we go!!!!!!!!!
The night before Take dry beans wash them good put them in a bowl one that has a tight fitting lid

Put the peas,onion, garlic,liquid crab boil,add water to cover the peas 2 -3 inches add 4 good shakes of Hot Sauce, and 1 tsp of Tonys Creole Seasoning Stirr well put the lid on and forget about it till the next day

Next day pour off any liquid (if there is any left)

Get you self a very heavy pot (black iron) or Magnilite (thats what we use)

Add the rest of the Above execpt the Andouille Sausage and the shrimp

Add you some more water to cover bout 1 inch

Turn the fire up high bring to a boil boil the hell out of them for 30 min

Turn fire to simmer and cook slooooooooow 2-3 hrs you will have to add some more water (but not to much)

When the peas get real tender I take a big spoon and smash a few spoon full agenst the side of the pot cook some more they will make there own gravy

Brown your Andouille Sausage add that to the pot cook 20 min

Add your Shrimp put the lid on turn the fire off

Steam you a pot of rice (when the rice is done the shrimp are cooked also

Now get you self a BIG plate put you some rice in the middle and get about 2 big cups of your peas & shrimp pour it on the top, French bread and a big glass of sweet tea LAWD!!!!!!!!!!! What is the Po Folks eatin!!!!!!!!
Dan
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[louanne]

I am sooooooooooooooooooo drooling....
tellyou what...you make the pot of gold there. and I will whip up my carrot cake...and we'll just throw a good ole party....

[johno]

Good Lord, I'm hOngry now!

[louanne]

Tell ya what.I am setting here munching on M&Ms dark...and I still want that shrimp and cream peas....

[houseodessey]

SCD- I had my first cream peas at a wake a few weeks ago and totally fell in love with them. :D I can not believe that I have lived in the south almost 35 years and have not tried every cowpea known to mankind. Thanks for the recipe and send some cream peas this way for me to grow!!

[GeorgeSims]

Louanne,

I'm not sure exactly where you're located, but I'll drive over from Douglas County ANYTIME you've got peas cooking. I've not grown them before (except as a small experiment), but I ALWAYS buy at least two bushels every year.

[louanne]

I'll tell you what...this is my first..throw them in the ground..se if they grow...and I really only did it cause of the suggestion that they would be good winter ground cover??? my intention is to turn them under to feed my soil....

but if I get some peas...you can bet I will be cookin up sugar's recipie....
between his humor and good cookin....
I'm just praying he aint good lookin!!!!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOL.....