Climbing Okra

(Page 3 of 3)

May/June 1985
 
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When the seedlings have been set out in the garden, keep the soil moist at all times. A 6" layer of straw mulch regulates moisture beautifully, as well as helping to keep weeds at bay and preventing low-hanging fruit from touching the soil and rotting. Feed each vine monthly with one cup of a 5-10-5 garden fertilizer (diluted according to the directions on the container). The vine also responds marvelously to fish-emulsion foliar sprays.

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Last year I grew climbing okra on the wire surrounding my large, "finished" compost pile. The plants rooted in the cool, rich soil with vigor and grew steadily until fall—even though the summer of 1984 was the hottest in 138 years here on the Highland Rim of Tennessee.

FIGHTING DISEASE AND PESTILENCE

Unfortunately, the same insects and diseases that plague the rest of the cucumber family may also afflict climbing okra. I've had no disease on my vines, but I do fight a running battle with spotted cucumber beetles. Late in last year's hot, dry summer, spider mites became a problem as well. But I've been able to control both pests with a spray of garlic and red pepper diluted in water. (I've not found too many insects that can stand up to that combination!)

In an edible landscape designed to produce as much bounty as beauty, climbing okra is hard to top as a plant that's pretty enough to eat, while tasting every bit as good as it l ooks.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For an in-depth discussion of edible-landscape design, see page 40.

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Comments

  • Gina 7/13/2008 10:24:19 AM

    This is my first time to plant the climbing okra, they have been blooming for about 2 weeks but still don't find any pods, the blooms fall off and leave a empty stem, so where is the okra or am I too anxious or is something happening to them?

  • Sue 7/22/2007 2:32:37 PM

    I have grown climbing Okra, but lost my seed, where can I buy
    some. Sue
    Mother Responds: Climbing okra seed is available at Baker Creek
    Seeds

    http://www.rareseeds.com/

  • Freida 6/13/2007 1:57:13 PM

    I have grown this plant in years past, but have lost out on the
    seeds. I would like to get some again.

  • Ilene 4/23/2007 8:48:50 PM

    Where Can I purchase some of these climbing okra seeds?

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