If you have lived-in the South for any time you likely have heard of black-eyed peas. This warm season pea is native to Africa and will not withstand the slightest frost. Other than this truth the pea it is an effortless crop to grow.

The black-eyed pea is a bean. On new years day in the Southern United States, eating the bean is believed to bring excellent luck throughout the year.

As a legume, growing the black-eyed pea boosts nitrogen to the soil. The pea is a crop that will do ideal in warm, sandy loamy soil that is well drained. Typically speaking, loamy sort soils contain additional nutrients and humus than sandy soils.

To get the most effective outcomes from the soil test it for appropriate levels of potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and acid-alkaline balance. You should really shoot for and maintain a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

When growing the black-eyed pea from seed enable 7 to 10 days for germination. If you so decide on, grow the plant in raised garden beds of six to eight inches. 3 feet between the rows work well. Thin the plants if overcrowding becomes a difficulty.

As a nitrogen-loving legume, after 3 weeks of germination, fertilization can exclude nitrogen. When growing black-eyed peas maintain in mind the plant it is drought tolerant, and over watering will need to be avoided.

Harvesting the pea:

After 60-70 days the pea will reach maturity when sown from seed. The pea can be harvested at the green-shell stage or left to fully mature and dry for storage.

Pest and illness issues:

When growing black-eyed peas you will discover they are fairly totally free of pests and illness. Nevertheless, if crops are not rotated, Root-Knot nematodes can pose a issue. If nematodes are suspected, pick a selection know to be genetically resistant to its damage.

Steve Habib is an active gardener and researcher on the subject of growing and caring for a selection of plants. To discover a lot more about BLACK-EYED PEAS go to here.