Yes, garlic can be planted with okra, as a companion plant. This is because garlic is a natural pest repellent and can solve the pest problems that okra have or might have.
Companion planting is an age-long technique that is commonly used by farmers for various reasons. It is an organic method of preventing diseases and pests and it involves plating two or more different types of plants together. Prevention of pests and diseases is not the reason for companion planting.
The benefits of companion planting also include pollination, space-saving, an increase in productivity, etc. While farmers have been able to unlock the benefits of companion farming, the major challenge farmers encounter is how to know which plants can be grown together.
This is because, while growing some plants together can be beneficial to both plants, growing some other plants together can be disastrous and not many are willing to take the risk to test these plants. In this article, we will be checking the compatibility of two of our favorite plants, for companion planting.
In identifying if a plant is compatible and good as a companion plant for another is to first consider the needs of both plants, especially the major one, and observe if they both have what the other needs.
Planting Okra In Your Garden
Okra is a well-known herbaceous annual plant, which is from the Malvaceae family, a family grown for its edible seed pods. An okra plant is known to grow up to about 6 feet tall. The plant is known to be a great source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Okra is cultivated and grown in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions in the world. Okra enjoys warm weather; it especially loves it when it is provided full sun. The plant will thrive best in loamy soil that is rich in nutrients. Okra will not grow in compacted hardpan or soggy soil and is best grown in spring.
Companion planting can be beneficial to okra, which is, growing the right plants with it.
However, growing the wrong plants with it can be detrimental to the health of the plant. Although growing okra seems easy as long as the care routing is correct, one major issue that okra farmers seem to battle is the problem of pests. Pests such as cabbage loopers, aphids, stink bugs, and nematodes are known to cause problems for the okra plant.
While washing your plant with soapy water and rinsing can get rid of aphids, other pests require a stronger means to stay off. Organic gardening methods are effective ways of getting rid of pests. An example of organic gardening methods is companion planting.
Planting Garlic In Your Garden
Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant from the lily family. Close relatives to garlic include onion, shallot, leek, chive, etc. The plant is native to central Asia and northeastern Iran.
The bulb is mainly used for medicinal and culinary purposes in many parts of the country. Garlic is promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions of the heart and blood vessels. Garlic grows best in well-drained, moisture-retaining soil.
The plant will tolerate a soil Ph of 6.0 to 7.0. Apart from soil health, garlic will appreciate being properly watered as it is not drought-friendly. One spectacular thing about garlic is that it has no problem with pests, unlike some other plants, such as okra.
Can You Plant Garlic With Okra?
Yes, Garlic is a suitable companion plant for okra and this is because garlic can repel pests that cause problems for okra. These two plants have similarities in planting preference; hence you will not have a problem growing them together.
They both love and thrive in full sun and they have the same soil requirements. Planting and growing garlic alongside okra can help okra roots find water and nutrients and garlic will break the soil, paving a way for the okra.
Not only is garlic a suitable partner for your okra, but members of the same family as garlic i.e., onion, and chives, can also be grown alongside okra and many other plants.
Final Thoughts
If you have thought of plants to grow alongside your okra for beneficial reasons, then you know now that garlic and members of its family are suitable companions. Other plants can be grown alongside your okra, which is also beneficial.
We recommend that you do thorough research on how to care for both plants, separately and together before you make them companions.
This will save you the stress of problems that may arise during their growth.