Companion planting is an organic method for controlling pests and diseases in your vegetable garden. This method can help your plants stay healthier and increase your harvest yield. It can also help prevent blight and other problems that can affect garden soil. While there is scientific data to confirm the benefits of companion planting, its reassuring to know that much of this advice comes from long-time gardeners who have seen the effectiveness of this method.
Companion planting is central to the folklore and oral tradition of gardening. Many gardeners can recall childhood stories from a parent or other relative who was also a gardener who insisted on planting certain plants next to other plants for all kinds of reasons.
10 Best Companion Plants for Okra01 of 10. Basil. Strongly scented herbs are often used in companion planting as their scent can deter pests. … 02 of 10. Beans and Peas. Carson Downing. … 03 of 10. Cosmos. Jon Jensen. … 04 of 10. Coneflowers. Bob Stefko. … 05 of 10. Cucumbers. … 06 of 10. Hot Peppers. … 07 of 10. Melons. … 08 of 10. Oregano.
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01 of 10. Basil. Strongly scented herbs are often used in companion planting as their scent can deter pests. …
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02 of 10. Beans and Peas. Carson Downing. …
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03 of 10. Cosmos. Jon Jensen. …
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04 of 10. Coneflowers. Bob Stefko. …
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05 of 10. Cucumbers. …
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06 of 10. Hot Peppers. …
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07 of 10. Melons. …
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08 of 10. Oregano.
Bad Companions for Okra
Most gardeners think of nematodes as beneficial for the garden. But theyre detrimental to okra because these tiny creatures like to feed on the young roots of okra plants. Nematode presence can be increased in soil used to grow certain vine crops, like sweet potatoes or squash. Skip at least a year before planting okra in soil where vine crops (except for cucumbers or melons, which do well alongside okra) have been grown. Other than this consideration, okra doesnt really have any “bad companions.”
Good Companion Plants for Okra
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a vegetable that seems to inspire either love or hate, but never indifference. It has a texture that can be somewhat slimy when cooked, but this can be overcome by roasting or other methods. Its a crucial ingredient in gumbo and its rich juice is used to thicken sauces, so for those reasons alone it has star power. A member of the mallow family, its flowers are quite showy.
Okra will tolerate some drought conditions, but in hot weather, make sure it gets at least an inch of water per week. Well-drained soil is also crucial for okra. Some of okras 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. Dont plant them too close, as cucumbers vines spread and also need a large amount of sun to ripen.
- Pepper plants will repel cabbage worms, which can be a destructive nuisance to okra plants.
- Melons can be a good okra companion because, like cucumbers, they need ample sun and water. Plant on the east side of the okra so the melons benefit from the morning sun, or on the west side for afternoon sun leaving plenty of room for the vines to run.
- Planting basil near your okra is also beneficial. The strong fragrance of basil repels a number of pests that like okra, including flea beetles, stinkbugs, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Okras tall plants, which can grow up to six feet, can also provide some shade for this somewhat tender herb if summer days get hot.
- Flowering annuals are good okra companions to help attract pollinators that will visit the okra flowers. Late summer bloomers like cosmos, zinnias, and calendula are good choices.
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The Spruce / K. Dave
5 Tips to Grow Lots of OKRA | Ladyfinger Bhindi
FAQ
What is okra compatible with?
What does okra go with?
What meat goes with okra?
What is the most popular way to eat okra?
What to eat with okra?
Garlic-roasted okra is a simple side dish that pairs well with practically any protein. It’s great with grilled chicken, roasts, barbecue ribs, and more. Each tiny morsel is covered in garlic and paprika. They’re also dripping with plant-based butter, so even vegans can enjoy this easy vegetable side. 2. Mediterranean-Style Okra
What are the uses of okra?
Commonly used in soups and stews, okra is found in many dishes from the American South, like gumbo, and can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. Because of the mucilage in okra, it can get gummy or slimy when heated up. You can avoid this gummy texture by cooking okra at high heat in an uncrowded pan. Lectin protein present in okra inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Okra improves blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in our system.
What to serve with grilled okra?
Serve this with some crackers and grilled bread, then stand back. The hoards will come running! 24. Grilled Okra If you’ve had enough of fried food, give this grilled okra a try!
What to eat with okra & Bacon?
Succotash with Bacon, Okra, and Tomatoes Succotash is a classic side that pairs well with weeknight dinners and holiday spreads alike. Corn and lima beans are key vegetables in creating this dish. What’s even better about this southern classic is there are some bacon bits and a couple of handfuls of okra.