If someone would
organize a competition for the World’s Most Elegant Vegetable, then I believe
that okra would at least reach the finals. Thus it is not a wonder why in many
English-speaking countries okra also goes under the name of lady’s fingers.
This tasty,
succulent vegetable is easy to grow and use, but it seems to me that not many
gardeners actually decide to grow it. Okra thrives in hot weather and keeps on
giving all summer long. Here are some useful tips on how to grow it in hot
weather.
Planting Okra and Caring for It
Okra could be grown both indoors and
outdoors. If you go for an indoors option, you should start the seeds in peat
pots and place them in a warm, sunny room. Keep in mind that okra demands
regular watering, preferably in the morning.
Your garden is equally suitable for growing okra. It thrives in most soil types, but
does best in fertile loam, rich in organic matter. Now here’s a word of advice
– soak the seeds overnight in warmish water to help speed up the germination
process.
Pest Protection and Harvest Time
Okra’s main enemies are root knot
nematodes, Japanese beetles, aphids and flea beetles. Some of my previous posts
give more detailedinformation about various types of pests, which is why I suggest
that you read them.
If pests attack your okra plants the
first line of defense should be a counterattack with soapy water. I wrote
earlier about several successful strategies that I’ve been using against pests
such as mealybugs
and ants, so
you may want to read that as well.
And now the fun part – first harvest
should be ready in 50 to 60 days. Keep in mind that wearing gloves when cutting
okra is a necessity because most varieties are covered with tiny spines that
might irritate your skin. Don’t worry; the spines go away when you cook the
plant. By the way, according to one of Jamie Oliver’s recipes, okra goes great
with hot peppers,
beans and squash.
In case you give it a try in kitchen
be sure to let me know how it worked out!
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