by James Lynne

Created on: September 20, 2008   Last Updated: September 24, 2008

To grow black-eyed peas, so called for their dark central "eye" on each individual bean, all that's needed is a bit of soil, some seeds, a trellis or pole for them to climb, and water. Black eyes, or cowpeas as they are often called, can be grown in pots, flowerbeds, or in larger garden plots.

Black-eyed peas, a Southern meal tradition, are easy to grow. Because peas and beans, members of the legume family, actually repair soil by returning nitrogen to it, they can be grown almost anywhere. Black-eyed peas develop beautiful plants, producing delicate flowers and delicious bean pods. With minimal care they generate significant rewards for the home gardener.

Decide where you are going to plant your peas, in pots, flower beds or in a garden plot, then buy your seeds. You'll discover many different varieties of black-eyed pea seeds, but don't be discouraged. Legumes mutate and cross-pollinate easily so there are many varieties. Look for those that appeal most to your senses, select seeds and prepare to harvest. A trick I always use when planting beans and peas is to soak my seeds overnight in a bowl of water before planting them. This allows the seeds to get a jump-start on germination by soaking up water ahead of time. It isn't necessary, because you'll water right after planting, but it does seem to speed the process along by a couple of days.

Peas can be planted out of doors after the temperatures consistently reach above 60 degrees F. If you plant too early, a surprise frost could kill the tender vegetables, requiring that you start your garden over. Whatever spot you choose should be well drained and sunny. Plants that have to stretch for the sun will become "leggy," brittle, and produce fewer seed pods. Plant the seeds about two to three inches apart and roughly a half-inch deep. They can be thinned after sprouting seven to ten days later if you feel they are too close together. It is wise to plant a couple of rows, wait two weeks, then plant a couple more. Continue staggering your plantings to have peas for harvest over a longer period of time.

Since peas are climbing plants, you'll notice the tendrils at some point as the plant develops. They do well if they have a trellis, a pole, or a fence to climb. This will make it easier to harvest the pods as well. Some seasoned gardeners I've known plant black-eyed peas at the base of their corn stalks, allowing the pea to climb the corn, creating a symbiotic relationship between the corn and the pea plant. This is

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