What Can Okra Be Planted Next To
While there is scientific data to confirm the benefits of companion planting, it's reassuring to know that much of this advice comes from long-time gardeners who have seen the effectiveness of this method.It's a crucial ingredient in gumbo and its rich juice is used to thicken sauces, so for those reasons alone it has star power.The strong fragrance of basil repels a number of pests that like okra, including flea beetles, stinkbugs, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.Okra's tall plants, which can grow up to six feet, can also provide some shade for this somewhat tender herb if summer days get hot.Nematode presence can be increased in soil used to grow certain vine crops, like sweet potatoes or squash.Okra thrives in hot weather, so you may grow it as a shade plant for greens that do well in partial sun (like kale and herbs including parsley, tarragon, chives, and cilantro).Just remove the pea plants after the last harvest to free up space for the okra to get bigger as the weather gets warmer