Companion Plants For Okra

Okra is very susceptible to nematodes, and nematode populations may boom at the end of the season. Avoid growing squash, sweet potatoes, or solanaceous crops (like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant) after okra (and vice versa), as they may be plagued by nematodes from the previous year.

What grows well with okra?

Some of okra's best garden companions are plants that, like okra, need plenty of water. This includes cucumbers, melons, eggplant, and sweet or hot peppers. Cucumbers love water and rich soil, as does okra, so these will do well side by side.

Where should you not plant okra?

Crop Rotation Okra should not be planted in soil previously utilized to grow vine crops such as sweet potatoes and squash as these crops tend to increase nematode population in soil. Nematodes feast on young okra roots, causing wilt and galls on the roots, which diminishes fruit yield.

Can okra and tomatoes be planted together?

Another plant you can grow alongside okra is tomatoes. When companion planted, tomatoes act as a trap crop, luring stink bugs away from okra plants. Beyond fruits and vegetables to pair with okra plants, flowers can be a great option to increase pollination in the area.

How do I make okra produce more?

Cutting back okra allows the plants to rejuvenate to produce a late summer/fall crop. Cut back plants using a mower or pruning shears, leaving 6 to 12 inches of each plant above the ground.

Can I plant bell peppers next to okra?

Peppers such as bell peppers or jalapenos are great vegetables for okra. Not only do peppers reduce pests like cabbage worms near companions, but okra is also tall enough to protect the more fragile pepper plant from strong winds.

Does okra like a lot of fertilizer?

Okra should be sidedressed with 3 to 6 pounds of calcium nitrate (15. 5-0-0) per 1,000 square feet or 1 to 2 pounds per 100 feet of row.

Does okra like full sun or shade?

Okra thrives in the full, hot sun. Regular watering is needed and is particularly critical during flowering and pod development. During extended dry spells, a weekly deep soaking is beneficial. Crop rotation and good soil management help control diseases.

What happens if you plant okra too close together?

Plants that grow too close to each other compete for the same sunlight, water and soil nutrients. The first effect seen is competition for light. Overcrowded plants begin to grow upward to receive light, rather than developing a fuller, bushier silhouette.

What temperature kills okra plants?

In general, a frost (31-33 degrees F.) will kill beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peas, pepper, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and watermelon. Colder temperatures (26-31 degrees F.)

Does okra need a lot of space?

You can soak the seeds overnight in tepid water to help speed up germination. If you are planting okra transplants, be sure to space them 1 to 2 feet apart to give them ample room to grow. Okra plants are tall, so space out the rows 3 to 4 feet apart.

How late can okra be planted?

Okra makes a great crop to follow cool-season vegetables, such as onions, turnips or broccoli, when they are harvested and the bed space becomes available in April or May. Okra can be seeded into the garden as late as July and still produce a good late-summer crop.

What does baking soda do to okra?

Viscosity peaks at neutral to alkaline pH, Preston said, which is why exposing okra to acidic ingredients, such as vinegar or tomatoes, tones it down. Some African cooks, she said, go in the other direction, adding baking soda (which raises pH to a more alkaline level) to okra soup to augment its thickening effect.

Will Epsom salt help okra plants?

Some people add Epsom salt for okra, but this is not universally recommended. Epsom salts are made out of sulfur and magnesium, two ingredients from which okra can benefit. However, care needs to be taken when it comes to applying Epsom salt for okra, since it can easily kill okra plants when overapplied.

Does Epsom salt help okra grow?

Epsom salt is good for okra plants so long as it is used in moderation. Too much Epsom salt can alter the soil's nutrient content, resulting in burned roots and slowed growth of your plants. When using Epsom salt for okra plants, it's best to only use a little or another fertilizer type.

What follows okra in crop rotation?

Since okra is very susceptible to damage by nematodes, follow a crop rotation, using such crops as grasses and small grains, which prevent a buildup of nematode populations. Okra should not follow vine crops, such as squash and sweet potatoes. These crops tend to increase nematode population.

Do hummingbirds like okra?

Hummingbirds often visit while picking okra, so that is a nice little treat as well.

Where should you not plant peppers?

Peppers and brassicas (members of the cabbage family) do not make good neighbors. So avoid planting peppers alongside cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi etc…

Should okra be watered everyday?

Quick Guide to Growing Okra Okra loves the heat and can withstand a dry spell, but do your best to give plants 1 inch of water every week.

Are coffee grounds good for okra plants?

Coffee grounds are a suitable organic amendment for growing okra when used directly on the soil or in composted materials. Coffee ground help improve soil structure, or tilth, and augment soil nutrient density when used in combination with other organic amendments.