A member of the hibiscus family, okra has one of the most beautiful blooms in the vegetable garden. Okra is used as a natural thickener for soups and stews and is often used as a main ingredient in gumbo.
About This Plant
Okra is considered a “southern” crop because it thrives in hot weather. However, okra can be grown anywhere, although it bears most abundantly in regions with long, hot summers. Okra is often stewed with tomatoes, deep fried, pickled, boiled or steamed and served with butter, as well as eaten raw, fresh from the garden. Some folks don’t like okra’s gummy quality when it’s boiled or steamed, and it seems to be more popular when combined with other vegetables, fried or pickled.
Site Selection
Select a site with full sun, preferably on a southern slope for maximum warmth, and well-drained soil. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.
Planting Instructions
In warm regions, plant okra directly in the garden when the nights stay above 55 degrees F and the soil has warmed to 65 degrees F to 70 degrees F. In northern areas, start seeds indoors in peat pots several weeks before the soil warms up. Or direct seed through black plastic and cover the rows with plastic tunnels to hold in the heat. To hasten germination, soak seeds overnight in tepid water or freeze them to crack their coats. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, 3 to 4 inches apart. Set out transplants to stand 1 to 2 feet apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
Care
When the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin to stand 1 to 2 feet apart. Provide at least 1 inch of water per week; more in hot, arid regions. When plants are young, cultivate lightly to eliminate weeds. Mulch heavily (4 to 8 inches) to keep weeds down and conserve moisture. Side-dress plants with rich compost. Side-dress three times: after thinning, when the first pods begin to develop, and at least once midway through the growing season. Contact your local Parish/County Extension office for controls of common okra pests such as flea beetles.
Harvesting
The first pods will be ready in 50 to 60 days. Harvest the pods when still immature (2 to 3 inches long). Pick at least every other day to encourage production. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid coming in contact with the irritating spines on the leaves and pods. Use a knife to cut the stem just above the cap.
Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
The festivities already began last night and will continue through Sunday evening. There’s plenty of fun to be had: live music will be played throughout the weekend, hot sauce companies from around the world will be sampling their sauces, the very best local chefs will be competing in the jambalaya cook-off, patrons will put on their dancing shoes for a dancing contest, and carnival rides will be open for kids of all ages to enjoy!
Saturday has a full slate of outdoor activities. Master gardening sessions will be held for those who want to learn more about medicinal plants, container gardening, and butterfly gardens. Local artists and exhibitors will be showcasing their work, ranging from clothing and accessories to woodworking and home decor. For the kids, there will be a maypole dance, a scavenger hunt, and hat weaving! Live music throughout the day will feature local bands and Gospel choirs.
If your kitchen needs serious help, then it pays to roll up your sleeves and do some major work before listing your house. A tired and worn kitchen will detract significantly from your home. At the same time, this isn’t the time to proceed with an upscale, luxury kitchen renovation because you won’t see a return on your investment. Concentrate on a mid range upgrade to your kitchen instead, replacing cabinets, counter tops and flooring as needed. If you can afford to upgrade your kitchen with energy-efficient appliances, you’ll make your kitchen more appealing to energy-conscious buyers who want to use less energy and have less impact on the environment.
Bathrooms are another important room to prospective house hunters. If your bathroom is looking grungy and needs some sprucing up, try replacing the tile, upgrading the medicine cabinet and vanity, replacing light fixtures and having the grout professionally cleaned. If you have shower doors, replace them with new doors. If you don’t have shower doors, consider installing them to give your bathroom a new look. If your home only has one bathroom, adding a second bathroom can be a significant improvement if you can swing the renovation. A closet or area under the stairs might be the ideal spot to tuck a powder room.
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