Is it possible to grow okra in a garden plot?

Okra is a little-known African plant, closely related to the mallow. In Russia, it is usually grown from seedlings. The fresh fruit tastes similar to eggplant, asparagus, and green peas, making it popular in cooking.

Okra pods contain a lot of vegetable protein, help lower cholesterol, and provide the body with beneficial macro- and micronutrients. Due to these properties, the product is often used in dietary nutrition. The plant is undemanding in terms of growing conditions and is easy to grow in your own garden.

Description of the plant

Okra is a herbaceous annual plant in the Malvaceae family. Low-growing varieties reach about 30 cm in height, while taller varieties can reach up to 2 m. The plant has an erect, woody stem covered in sparse hairs. The leaves, with long petioles, are divided into 5-7 lobes and are light green.

During flowering, the plant is covered with large, single, yellowish-cream flowers. Okra fruits are long, narrow pods, each containing numerous dark-colored seeds.

Growing seedlings

Natural seed germination takes 15 to 30 days. To speed up the process, soak the seeds. Place the seeds in a saucer on a damp cloth. Leave the container in a warm place for 24 hours. The water should not completely cover the seeds, allowing them to breathe.

To obtain seedlings, seeds are sown in early May. This can be conveniently done in peat pots or pellets. In the latter case, transplanting can be done without damaging the root system.

Planting seeds step by step:

• peat pots are placed on a tray and filled with soil mixture for seedlings;
• make a hole 4 cm deep in the center;
• they put a seed in it and cover it with soil;
• lightly water with warm water;
• cover the tray with film or glass.

While the seedlings are germinating, maintain the room temperature at 20 degrees Celsius. Periodically remove the film for ventilation. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the cover completely and move them to a well-lit area.

Water the seedlings periodically, avoiding over-wetting the soil. Fifteen days after germination, fertilize with a mineral fertilizer for vegetable crops. Fertilize the seedlings several more times, at two-week intervals, before transplanting them to their permanent location.

Transplanting seedlings

Okra is transplanted to permanent beds after warm weather sets in and the soil reaches 15 degrees Celsius. Okra is a heat-loving plant. Transplant the seedlings into slightly moist soil. If the soil is wet and cold, rooting will be delayed.

Choose an open, sunny spot on the south side of the garden for the bed. It should be protected from north winds and drafts. Prepare the site 30 days before transplanting the seedlings. Clear the soil of weeds and dig it, adding wood ash, humus, and compost. Mineral fertilizers can be used instead of organic matter. If the soil is highly acidic, add chalk or dolomite flour. Otherwise, the okra will grow poorly.

Further care

Okra requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not wet. It should also not dry out completely. The plant can withstand short periods of drought without ill effects. After watering, loosen the soil to improve air flow to the roots. Regularly clear the beds of weeds. When growing in a greenhouse, be sure to ventilate the room after watering to avoid high humidity.

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To ensure a good harvest, plants are regularly fed with mineral complexes or organic fertilizers. Complex vegetable fertilizer mixtures are suitable for this crop. A working solution is prepared at a rate of 2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water. After fruiting begins, use fertilizers with a high potassium content. Once the bushes reach 40 cm in height, it is recommended to tie them to individual supports.

Pests and diseases

Blackleg develops on okra seedlings. The disease causes darkening of the lower stem and rot of the root system. Infected plants should be destroyed immediately to prevent spread to neighboring plants. To reduce the risk of blackleg, ventilate the seedlings more frequently.

Another dangerous fungal disease is rust. It causes brown spots to appear on all parts of the plant. If an infected bush is discovered, it should be destroyed, as the plant usually dies from the rust.

To treat and prevent diseases, spray infected bushes and nearby areas with a solution of Fitosporin-M. Prepare the working solution according to the instructions for the product. Treatments are carried out according to the standard protocol.

The most common insect pests that affect okra are:

• aphid;
• thrips;
• cabbage moth.

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To prevent insect infestations, plants are spaced apart. Regular weeding is essential. Regular inspection of the bushes can detect pests at the initial stage of infestation. Safe biological agents are then used to eradicate them. Fitoverm is effective against most insects and is environmentally friendly. After spraying the bushes with this agent, the fruit can be eaten within 2-3 days.

The exotic okra can be grown almost anywhere in our country. It's undemanding in growing conditions and requires little care. Okra fruits have a vibrant flavor that will appeal to many vegetable lovers.