Start the New Year with Black-Eyed Peas: Good Luck and Great Gardens!
When I was a little girl, every New Year’s Eve meant one thing: my grandfather, Pap, taking over the kitchen to cook black-eyed peas. My grandmother was the family cook, but this one tradition was all his. I’ll be honest—I never really liked black-eyed peas, but I always managed to choke down a few, convinced it was the key to the wealth and good fortune promised for the year ahead. In the South, eating black-eyed peas is a beloved tradition, and judging by the bin of dried peas prominently displayed at the grocery store yesterday, it’s still going strong. But did you know black-eyed peas aren’t just for New Year’s Day? They’re also a fantastic crop to grow in your vegetable garden!
What Are Black-Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas, also called cowpeas or southern peas, are a legume known for their creamy flavor and distinctive black “eye.” ,Black-eyed peas can tolerate drought, and are a great pick for gardeners, especially if you live in a warmer area.
How to Grow Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas thrive in warm weather and are well-suited for summer planting. Here’s how to grow them, whether you’re planting them in the ground or on a trellis:
- When to Plant: Wait until the soil is warm—at least 60°F. In most areas, this means late spring to early summer. A good rule of thumb is to plant a couple of weeks after your last frost. For me, this would be mid May.
- Where to Plant: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They work well in raised beds, and growing them vertically on a trellis or arch saves space.
- How to Plant: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. If growing on a trellis, position the trellis before planting and train the vines to climb as they grow.
- Care Tips: Water moderately but avoid soggy soil. Add a layer of mulch to reduce weeds. Black-eyed peas fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the rest of your garden.
Harvesting, Drying, and Storing
Black-eyed peas can be harvested in two ways:
- Fresh Pods: Pick when the pods are firm and slightly plump but still green. Use them fresh in recipes.
- Dried Peas: Allow the pods to dry on the vine until they are brown and brittle. Then shell the peas and spread them out in a single layer to air-dry completely.
Once dried, store the peas in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly dried peas can last for up to a year.
Why not make next year’s New Year’s dinner even more special by growing your own black-eyed peas? From planting the seeds to harvesting and cooking them, it’s a rewarding way to connect with the tradition and your garden. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying a meal made with ingredients you grew yourself. So grab some seeds this spring, and by the time next year rolls around, you’ll have a homegrown batch of good luck ready to serve!
Looking for a great traditional southern recipe for black-eyed peas? Click here
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