Guest Columnist
With over 300 plants every year, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of my favorite garden plants to grow. By starting seeds approximately 01 April, the seedlings are ready to be transplanted in the garden by 01 May.
Okra seeds are pretty tough, so it’s best to either soak them in water overnight or else use a file to nick the seed. For planting, one can create a trough with a hoe, place the plants in the rut, cover, water, and watch them grow! Others just dig a hole for each plant. They can be watered by hand or preferably by drip irrigation. The literature suggests putting transplants12-18” apart, but plants do well as close as 8” apart.
This remarkable, easy to grow plant is thought to have originated in Africa but some say South Asia. Whichever, okra found its way to what became the United States sometime during the 17th century, although some say the 18th century!
With a great ability to adapt to a varied climate, okra can grow anywhere that corn grows. It likes rich soil, but does well in ordinary soil. Once it gets started, it will produce at varying levels until frost. The hotter the weather, the more okra plants produce.
Rich in nutrients, okra contains vitamins A, B, C, E and K. It also has zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium and lots of fiber. The fiber helps control cholesterol as well as sugar absorption rates. Frying it, however, tends to neutralize the cholesterol lowering! Additionally, okra helps lower blood pressure and has a lot of antioxidants. It helps protect eyes against cataracts and reduces scars, acne, and wrinkle appearances.
Pick green-type okra pods such as spineless okra before they exceed 4” long. Some say burgundy okra is said to still be good several inches long.
No comments:
Post a Comment