The seeds will germinate better if you soak them for 24 hours before planting and exclude all seeds that are not swollen. If you plant more than one okra plant, sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep and thin to 12 to 18 inches between plants. If you have more than one row, they should be 3 feet apart.
Can two okra plants grow together?
When selecting companion plants for your okra, you should consider the needs of both your okra and the other plants. These needs include temperatures, sun/shade preferences, and watering needs. Oka thrives in warm regions, so your companion plants should also do well in similar conditions.
What Happens If okra is planted too close together?
Okra planted too close together, or container-grown okra planted into a pot that is too small will not produce as many pods, and may produce smaller pods overall. Adequate spacing requirements for an in-ground row of okra is 12 to 24 inches apart (18 inches is often recommended).
How close can I plant okra?
Plant okra seeds about 1/2 to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row. 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.
Can okra be grown close together?
Growing okra plants is not hard if you have full sun and good soil in your garden. They need plenty of space for good vegetable production. Each okra plant will need at least two feet between itself and the next one. And because they are tall, they will create patches of shade.
What should you not plant near okra?
Tips for Crop Rotation
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 beside okra?
From radishes to sunflowers, these companion plants will help your okra crop reach its full potential.
- Radishes. Radish seedlings work well near okra because the roots loosen up the soil as they grow, making it easier in turn for okra to grow and thrive.
- Cucumbers.
- Peppers.
- Melons.
- Lettuce.
Can okra be planted in double rows?
If you are in a tight space in the area it is best to plant okra on double rows so you can easily harvest both rows at once.
How do you increase okra yield?
Okra should be mowed or pruned to 6 to 12 inches above the soil line. Once the plants are cut, gardeners will want to fertilize with a fertilizer that has a 1:2 ratio of nitrogen to potassium, which will encourage new growth and stimulate flower production.
How do I make my okra bushy?
Fortunately, okra is a very durable plant that tolerates heavy pruning and pinching to promote shorter, bushier growth. Plan to remove the top of the okra plant at least twice during the growing season.
What is the best month to plant okra?
For best yields, plant okra in the spring season two-to-three weeks after all danger of frost has passed, which is about late April or May for this area. For a good fall crop, plant at least three months (around the first part of August) before the first fall frost which can be as early as October 31st.
Should you separate okra plants?
Dividing them will initially slow down growth as the seedlings will sustain some root damage when they are separated. But, young plants recover quickly and this is still quite early in okra season — so you should get away with it.
Can you water okra too much?
Underwatering or overwatering is bad for Okra plants
Overwatering may also lead to the same effect. Too much water can clog the soil and prevent the roots of the okra plant from accessing oxygen found in the small pockets of air in the soil.
Do you need 2 okra plants?
Plant the seeds 3 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep. Then, thin the plants to 18 to 24 inches apart when the plants are between 2 and 3 inches, leaving only the strongest plants. Unless you want to can, freeze, or pickle some okra or save okra seeds, four to five plants should provide you with plenty of okra.
What should I plant after okra crop rotation?
Okra being a deep rooted crop, sweet corn, cabbage, wheat, and winter legumes like hairy vetch will make excellent succeeding crops whereas onions, mustard, and lettuce are generally beneficial preceding crops.
How many okra plants do I need?
Because of the long growing season and hearty production, four or five plants usually produce enough okra for most families. More plants may be needed, though, to can or freeze okra for use during the winter.
How do you keep bugs off okra?
Natural Insecticides
Insecticidal soap is a natural insecticide that will kill many of the pests on your okra. You can buy insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils at garden centers. Neem oil is another choice that is readily available.
How many okra does a plant produce?
How much okra can you get from one plant? If your okra plants have ideal conditions, they can produce 20 – 30+ pods per plant. In a warmer hardiness zone such as zone 9b, you will have a longer growing season, into the fall or longer. Okra is a good choice for fall and winter vegetable gardens in some areas.
What grows best next to tomatoes?
Companion Plants to Grow With Tomatoes
- Basil. Basil and tomatoes are soulmates on and off the plate.
- Parsley.
- Garlic.
- Borage and squash.
- French marigolds and nasturtiums.
- Asparagus.
- Chives.
Does okra need a trellis?
Okra is overall a pretty easy-going plant. It does not need to be supported on a trellis or with a stake, but it will want some mulch to help keep the soil cooler.
Can okra be planted next to corn?
Okra is a tall plant with some varieties exceeding six feet tall at maturity. To avoid shading out other crops, plant okra at the north end of the garden, near other tall plants such as corn. Plant seedlings approximately one foot apart in rows spaced two to three feet apart.