What should you not plant next to okra?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.How to grow okra involves thoughtful associations with other plants. I once lost half of my crop by planting okra near cucumbers, as both plants are attractive hosts for aphids that can reproduce rapidly and create infestations. Being smart about spacing and companion planting will prevent disasters like this in the future, all while promoting pod set and production.
Nutrient Competitors
- Sweet potatoes: Drain soil nitrogen excessively
- Corn: Competes for phosphorus and potassium
- Melons: Overwhelm okra roots with aggressive vines
Pest Magnets
- Squash: Attracts squash bugs that target okra
- Cucumbers: Spread powdery mildew between plants
- Potatoes: Increase flea beetle populations
Soil prep overrides everything. Okra prefers it to be well-drained loam, pH 6.5-7.0. In the planting rows I incorporate 4 inches of compost, this Texas schoolroom/garden trick can reduce watering needs by 30%. It is good to know your soil annually; even though some suggest coffee grounds, lime applications can correct acidity more effectively.
In regions that are humid, plant your crops 18-24 inches apart. Under a dry climate, you can get away with spacing plants 12 inches apart. I did a trial in Arizona and found that putting plants closer together effectively shaded the soil, which reduced my need for irrigation. Additionally, as a rule, the rows should be oriented east-west. This will give the plants maximum exposure to the sun and help to replicate the conditions that okra naturally grows in Africa.
Read the full article: How to Grow Okra: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
