Okra, or okro as it is often called in many English-speaking countries, is a plant that accompanies many cultures. Companion planting is an organic method that farmers have used over the years to control pests and diseases in their orchard.
Although there is no scientific evidence to back up much of the information about companion plants, they are considered effective and beneficial by gardeners.
What is the best companion for okra? Okra is a plant that is quite easy to grow, it is a vegetable that you love or hate, but which never leaves you indifferent. Okra is a plant that likes rich, well-drained soil, making it the best companion for plants that need lots of water.
Selecting the right companion for your okra is important, this will help reduce unwanted insect predators, promote pollination and enrich the soil.
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Top 10 Companion Plants For Okra
It’s okay to try and make mistakes before you find the right companion planting, but to make things easier and save time, you’ll need a companion planting map. Okra is a prolific grower and also very hardy, with the right conditions it will certainly thrive. So to get the most out of your okra this season, these are the best companion plants to try.
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers, like okra, love water and good soil, so they’re sure to make great companions. Be careful, however, not to plant too close together, as cucumbers need a lot of sun to ripen. This cooler weather crop works well as a beneficial plant for okra and needs plenty of water just like okra, making it an excellent companion plant.
2. basil
Image: Envato ElementsHerbs like basil can also be a great companion for your okra plant. Basil can be planted near your okra to repel flea beetles, white lilies and stinkbugs and reduce the risk of damage to your okra. The tall okra plant can also provide shade for basil on hot summer days.
3. melons
Melons are a great companion for okra, just like cucumbers, they need lots of water and sun, but make sure the okra doesn’t give your melons too much shade. It is best to plant on the east side of the okra so that the melons can take advantage of the morning sun or on the west side of the afternoon sun.
4. ALS
Lettuce has shallow roots, so they don’t compete with okra for nutrients, making them perfect companion plants. Okra also protects lettuce from the sun.
5. Tomatoes
Image: Envato ElementsAnother plant that is an excellent companion for okra is the tomato. Tomatoes can help repel bed bugs which are essential to okra.
6. Pepper
Cabbage worms like to feed on young okra leaves, but this can be avoided by planting pepper nearby. Planting okra near the chili pepper can help keep it away from bed bugs and other pests that like to feed on it.
7. Sunflowers
These sunflowers act as a companion plant to attract pollinators to the garden and these pollinators stimulate the flowering of okra flowers. Okra itself is also an excellent windbreaker for delicate flowers.
8. peas
Peas are cooler weather crops that thrive when planted in the shade of okra. Okra seedlings don’t crowd out spring plants, giving them plenty of sun, and peas are fast-growing crops that can be harvested while the okra is still maturing.
9. Eggplant
Image: Envato ElementsEggplants are nightshade vegetables like peppers, but they also make excellent companion plants for okra. Both okra and eggplant benefit from the nutrients that end up in the soil, making them healthier and stronger.
10. Radish
Another spring crop to plant near your okra is radishes. Plant okra and radish seeds together and you can also plant pepper in this circle, 3 or 4 inches apart at a stretch.
What is not next to Okra. plant
Companion plants are very important for okra as they help prevent pests and diseases. The okra plant is a good companion for many tender crops and doesn’t really have a bad companion, but there are also some plants you should steer clear of. Below are plants that are considered poor companions for okra.
1. Sweet potatoes
Planting sweet potatoes and okra together can increase the number of nematodes in your garden. Most gardeners consider nematodes beneficial to the garden, but they can be harmful to okra plants. Nematodes can easily feed on the young roots of okra plants.
2. Pumpkin
Planting pumpkins in the same garden as okra can increase soil nematodes and although this is beneficial for growing pumpkins and potatoes, you can feed okra instead.
frequently asked Questions
Let us know in the comments section if you have any questions about planting pets for okra.
Can okra be planted directly?
Okra can be planted directly in the crop, but make sure the temperature is warm enough and the air temperature is also at least 60 degrees. You can also plant okra seeds directly in a garden bed.
How often should I water my okra plants?
The okra plant needs regular watering during germination and flowering, but after that it may lack water. A deep dip in okra every 10 days should suffice.
What is the best fertilizer for okra?
To ensure your okra gets the best amount of fertilizer, top it with 3 to 6 pounds of calcium nitrate on the side and be sure to distribute it evenly for a bountiful harvest.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Okra Plants?
Epsom salt is not really recommended for your okra plants, although okra can benefit from too much application, it can easily kill your okra plants.
Does okra need full sun?
Yes, okra are warm weather plants that will definitely appreciate full sun. It grows well in moist soil that is also rich in organic matter.
How do okra seeds germinate fast?
To speed up the germination process of okra, soak the seeds in hot water overnight. Okras are fairly easy to grow, but they have a hard shell which can slow germination, but soaking them in warm water or a damp paper towel can help.
How long does it take to grow okra?
Okra is very easy to grow and matures in 50-65 days.
How to care for an okra plant?
The okra plant is really easy to grow. It can be grown in many soil types, so mulch and fertilize as needed. Regular watering is also essential and every three to four weeks with compost.
Does okra grow back every year?
The okra plant can be a perennial, but it will become an annual in a more temperate climate and will need to be replanted every year.
final thoughts
Like any other plant, okra thrives when the right plant is present. It also releases chemicals intended for plants growing nearby. Keep in mind that not all plants work well as companions. Keeping the right companion plants in your garden can help prevent fungal attacks and improve the health of your plants.
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