Deer-friendly forage that also supports soil health can be found in well-chosen cowpea varieties. This article highlights five top cowpea seed options suited for deer plots, cover crops, and agricultural plots. Each choice emphasizes drought tolerance, nutrient density, and easy establishment to help you maximize wildlife forage while boosting soil fertility.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Outsidepride Cowpeas Seeds – 5 lbs | Outsidepride | Heat-tolerant, nutrient-rich, cover crop/food plot |
| Outsidepride Cowpeas Seeds – 10 lbs | Outsidepride | Heat-tolerant, nutrient-rich, cover crop/food plot |
| Mixrug 200 Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea Seeds | Mixrug | Heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated |
| Sow Right Seeds – Black Eyed Cowpea Seeds (1 packet) | Sow Right Seeds | Non-GMO heirloom, robust for deer forage |
| Sow Right Seeds – Top Pick Pinkeye Cowpea Seeds (1 packet) | Sow Right Seeds | Non-GMO heirloom, pinkeye variety, good for forage |
Outsidepride Cowpeas Seeds — 5 Lbs
Outsidepride’s 5-pound bag offers versatile, nutrient-rich cowpeas ideal for cover crops, food plots, and forage. The seeds support wildlife by providing a rich food source while promoting ecosystem health. They pair well with other vegetables like black-eyed peas and green beans to create a diverse planting scheme for deer plots. The variety is promoted as easy to grow, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced growers seeking robust yields. In addition, cowpeas are noted for nitrogen fixation, which can improve soil structure and reduce the need for synthetic inputs. This contributes to longer-term soil fertility and healthier planting beds.
Outsidepride Cowpeas Seeds — 10 Lbs
This larger 10-pound option mirrors the 5-pound bundle in being heat-tolerant and nutrient-dense, designed for cover crops, food plots, and forage. It emphasizes soil health benefits through nitrogen fixation and improved soil structure. The product descriptions suggest compatibility with other pea and vegetable seeds for a mixed garden or plot that feeds deer while sustaining soil fertility. It’s suitable for growers wanting a bigger seed allotment for extensive plots or multiple seasons.
Mixrug Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea Seeds
The Mixrug Pinkeye Purple Hull variety features traditional Vigna characteristics, including purple-hued hulls with green and purple “eyes” when fresh. As an open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom seed, it offers trust and consistency for deer forage. The seeds are described as high yielding with reliable germination, making them a dependable option for wildlife plots. The flavor and storage notes highlight how Pinkeye cowpeas retain nutrients well when frozen or canned, which can be beneficial for longer-term forage planning.
Sow Right Seeds — Black Eyed Cowpea Seeds (1 Packet)
Black Eyed Cowpeas are highlighted as a strong choice for deer forage due to their deep roots, nitrogen-fixing abilities, and resilience in heat and drought. The packet offers a minimum seed count suitable for establishing a meaningful forage plot. Growth parameters suggest plants reach a tall stature with a broad spread, producing pods that can be harvested for forage or seed. These seeds are also promoted as an effective cover crop, helping to stabilize soil and improve fertility while supporting wildlife health.
Sow Right Seeds — Top Pick Pinkeye Cowpea Seeds
The Top Pick Pinkeye Cowpea Seeds emphasize a robust, nitrogen-fixing plant good for deer plots with a compact growth habit and pink pods that add visual interest to forage areas. The seeds are described as non-GMO and heirloom, keeping true-to-type traits and germination reliability. This option is positioned as a reliable, all-season forage plant that can also diversify a wildlife garden with edible pods and seeds.
Sow Right Seeds — Bulk Black Eyed Cowpea Seeds
Bulk formats of Black Eyed Cowpeas are ideal for large deer plots or community plots. The seeds are described as non-GMO, open-pollinated, and heirloom with strong germination characteristics. This option emphasizes the ability to cover extensive ground efficiently while maintaining soil health through nitrogen fixation and reduced need for synthetic inputs. It suits landowners managing expansive forage areas or multiple planting cycles across seasons.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Choosing Cowpea Seeds For Deer
- Deer forage value: Look for varieties noted for high palatability and attractant quality to support deer nutrition and energy needs.
- Climate tolerance: Choose heat- and drought-tolerant seeds to match the hot, dry summers common in many hunting and farming regions.
- Soil health benefits: Prioritize cowpeas that fix nitrogen and improve soil structure to reduce synthetic inputs and promote long-term fertility.
- Germination and growth: Favor open-pollinated or non-GMO seeds with reliable germination rates and robust growth to ensure timely forage availability.
- Seed packaging: Consider packet size or bulk options based on plot size, with attention to planting density and recommended planting windows.
- Compatibility: Mix cowpeas with other forage or vegetable seeds to create a diverse plot that supports wildlife while preserving soil health.
- Storage and handling: Heirloom and non-GMO seeds typically store well when kept cool and dry; verify storage requirements on the seed packet.
- Ecological impact: Favor seeds marketed for minimal synthetic inputs and positive ecosystem effects, aligning wildlife needs with sustainable farming.
- Germination timing: Plan around the local frost-free window, as some cowpeas germinate best in soil temperatures within 65–75°F (18–24°C).
In summary, the selected cowpea seed options provide a balance of deer forage value, soil health benefits, and practical growing considerations. They range from smaller, easy-to-manage packets to larger volumes suited for extensive plots, all designed to support wildlife while improving fertility and ecosystem function.