The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-01-28
THE cow TEA


The cowpea can be grown In all
parts OF the country. II will grow
on any soil not too wet, and in most
climates free from frost during two
months. Its stalks and leaves make
fine hay, the best OF temporary pas
ture and most excellent green ma
nuer. II affords one OF the richest
kinds OF forage for all farm animals.
The cowpea aught 10 be grown
more by all our mountain farmers
because u makes more hay per acre
than any grasses grown In the
mountains. II is an easy crop TO
grow, either cultivated or broadcast.
We are glad 10 see so many farm
ers with cowpea hay on their farms
now. Their cows are producing
more milk, the young cattle are
fatter and the mules are meaner
than 10 they didn't have the COW
pea hay. II you haven't tried any
cowpea hay for your stock grow
some next summer and notice the
results as given above.
Different varities produce plants
OF widely different habits: some
erect and chrub shaped, others with
long trailing, climbing vines. Some
ripen seed within two months from
planting, others require three. four
and Ave months for their maturity.
he variety for planting Is 10 be Sc
iected according TO the use 10 which
the crop is TO be put, and the time
OF planting.
Cowpeas are more or less mixed
making II q hard proposition 10 get
a clean pure variety. The Whip
poor-will is considered an early pea.
One Of the best varities for late
planting and growing between corn
rows. The Clay pea is later pea
than the whip-poor-will, tall erect,
large, dark green leaves, stems OF
vigorous growth. medium 10 late In
ripening. There are other varities
such as Unknown or Wonderful,
New Erea, Iron. Black. Taylor. Red
Ripper, and, many others. The
whip-por-will is the standard var
iety and gives splendid results.
Thorough preparation OF the soil
before planting is as profitable for
cowpeas as for any other crop; the
greater the care in this respect, the
greater the yield and self-satisfac-
ton at harvesting time.
We found out on the Berea State
Experiment Field that lime and
phosphoric acid produced splendid
crop. We used other fertilizers but
this combination seemed 10 suit the
crop there. To promote the heav-
lest growth use some Fertilizer II
you haven't the fertilizer nor cant
get Il, remember that peas won't go
back on you, they will greatly pay
you for your efforts even on the
poorest soil.
Cowpeas may be planted when
ever the ground is warm enough 10
plant beans or melons.
Drill-planting requires less seed
and more cultivation. and the yield
is usually heavier than when sown
broadcast. II pays TO try them both
ways.
When saved for hay the crop
should be handled like red clover
10 some extent. The hay should be
thoroughly dry before stacking or
hauling TO the barn. II pays TO take
care OF the cowpea hay IL 1t does
take longer 10 cure out. When you
get il in your barn in good shape
its the best hay you have and viii
make more fat animals, more butter,
more milk, and by doing so places
more money in the pocket book,
sends more children 10 school and
raises the standard OF citizenship
in the community.
Seed stored for winter should be
treAtcu At tnc tiiho VI oe"sAHo,
an ounce OF carbon bisulphide 10
)ach bushei TO prevent injury by
weevils. This treatment should be
repeated in the spring IL the seed Is
kept until summer.
The cowpea is one OF the best
plants for temporary pastures. ana
by a proper selection OF varieties
gives good grazing from early sum
mer until late fall. As grazing
crop, like the soy bean, II Is espec-
tally valuable for producing milk,
growing young stock especially
pigs) and fattening all kinds OF an
finals.
The cowpea is one Of the most
effective fertilizing plants. II draws
its nitrogen from the air, and in this
way obtains and stores this expen-
sive element in the soil.
The soy bean and the cowpea are
Il A..ss.