How to choose cowpeas and why to use mulch for cowpeas

Cowpea is a kind of food that our family often eats. In many places, it is also called long beans. Cowpea is grown in many places in rural my country. Many friends want to grow some at home for easy consumption, so how to choose cowpea seeds? Why do we need to apply a layer of mulch when planting cowpea?

How to choose cowpea seeds

According to the habits of cowpea, some places can plant three times a year, and some places are suitable for planting twice. Therefore, each place can choose according to the local climate characteristics. As a variety of cowpea cultivated in spring, based on the local climate characteristics, varieties with the characteristics of cold resistance, early maturity, high yield and stable yield should be selected for planting.

Why do we need to use mulch for cowpea?

It is very simple. It is used to keep cowpeas warm. However, heat preservation is only one aspect. On the other hand, light transmittance must also be considered. For example, the commonly used white mulch has good light transmittance, the temperature inside the mulch rises quickly, and the heat preservation effect is very good. However, it also has disadvantages. With good heat preservation and light transmittance, weeds will inevitably grow well, and high temperature can easily burn seedlings. Other mulches, such as black mulch, have poor light transmittance, and the temperature inside the mulch rises slowly. This can prevent the growth of weeds, but it is not conducive to observation, light transmission, and heat preservation. Therefore, the color of the mulch should also be selected according to local conditions.

When is the best time to plant cowpea?

The rhizome of cowpea is particularly developed. It likes loose and fertile soil and is used to growing in an environment of 18-28 degrees Celsius. The temperature for seed germination is generally 25-34 degrees Celsius, so we usually choose to sow in February and March to achieve a good germination rate.

How to improve the emergence rate of cowpea

Before planting, if the planting amount of newly purchased seeds in my hometown is relatively large, some farmers will germinate the seeds in advance. Even if they are not germinated, the seeds must be soaked in cold water for one night. This will increase the germination rate of cowpeas after planting.