I don't think the ants are your real problem. The ants are probably being attracted by "honeydew" that is left behind from sap-feeding insects(like aphids). Look closely and see if you notice other insects, besides ants.

You could probably just spray them off with a spray bottle, if it's aphids. Whiteflies are a bit more tricky. However I have heard that nasturtium is a great decoy crop to grow nearby, and can take the attention away from your peas. Also, ladybugs loooove aphids. If you can attract them or release them in your garden, they should take care of your problem. Here is a site that shows you what plants help attract ladybugs: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attract-ladybugs.htm

This is assuming that ants aren't your real problem. I would do some more investigative work to see if there are other culprits.

I agree, I bet there are aphids there. Brown colored aphids. They love the southern peas. Just found some on my Pink Eye Purple Hull Peas. And there were ants walking up and down the stem of the plant.

Agree with rhizo -ants are common on black-eye and purple hull peas and do no harm. In fact it is a beneficial relationship. There is no need to do anything about them.

Dave

Thanks a lot, guys. I did not know this. I will not worry about them. Now...to figure the real reason why my peas are looking so poor! I am having some issues with proper trellising. I tried a homemade method but it's not working well. Sure wish I could remember what my great-grandparents did.

Black eye peas are normally bush peas and do not require any trellising. In fact they can't be as the pea pods are produced on the top of the plant. They don't climb like pole beans do and usually support themselves just fine. What variety are you growing that makes you think they require trellising?

Dave

I think mine are called California something. The packaging did not say bush variety, but maybe that is understood with black eyed peas as you say. I assumed that because they were peas they needed a trellis or support. Some of the ones I have going are wrapping around my trellis. I have noticed that without a trellis they do not produce, but that could be some other error on my part.

Gator, California black-eyes are the BEST! Have you grown these legumes before? If not, did your seeds come with inoculate? It will say so on the label.

If your seeds were inoculated, then black-eyes hardly need any extra nitrogen fertilization at all. In fact, production can be diminished if nitrogen is supplemented like we do with some of our other crops.

Another thing that is worth remembering, in my opinion, is that cowpeas in general do very well if we don't water the heck out of them.

No trellising is needed. As a matter of fact, California BE peas are one of the main commercial varieties and are harvested by big combines.

Agree. California Blackeyes are the standard. They are not peas in the common sense of the word. They are cowpeas and more closely related to beans.

No trellis, minimal nitrogen if any, limited watering (although in your zone you may have to water more than I do here). Just when in doubt, don't water them.

Hopefully yours came already inoculated like rhizo said. If not you can buy inoculate separately for next time. Gets you a much better crop.

Dave

OK, cool. Sounds like I am on the right track. And I am not sure about pre-inoculation -- there was no indication on the packaging, however, I did add as much inoculant as I had just in case. Overall, my main challenge is growing enough peas to be able to eat! It takes more space than I have available here. I am planning to eat these green, so maybe a small handful here and there will be fine for salads or a side dish of mixed vegetables. Thanks for the tips guys!

Agree with rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

Always have large red ants on my black eyed peas. Never any problem. They get all over me while harvesting and will not even bite. I just ignore them unless I'm going into the house and then I wipe them off. I have to agree I think they do offer the plant protection as I continue to have good harvest. If your peas are doing fine just ignore the ants.

Those damned Japanese buzzards and tomato horny worms on the other hand....