Cow peas, also known as Southern peas, are a staple in gardens across warm climates for their versatility, hardiness, and delicious flavor. Popular varieties like black-eyed peas, crowder peas, and cream peas are prized for their ability to thrive in challenging conditions while enriching the soil with nitrogen. These legumes are perfect for fresh eating, drying for storage, or using as a nutritious ingredient in traditional Southern dishes like hoppin' john. Whether you're planting them as a cover crop or for a bountiful harvest, cow peas are easy to grow and offer a high yield, making them a favorite among gardeners and farmers alike.