Okra
Okra is a very popular gardening crop, especially in the Southern part of the US. Okra is also known as “gumbo,” “Ladies Fingers” and “Quimbombo,” among many other names. Okra is native to North Africa where wild okra can still be found growing in the rich soil along the banks of the Nile.
Okra is a warm weather vegetable crop that is often added to soups and stews. It can be boiled, steamed, fried or pickled. Pickled okra is a very popular recipe in the Southern part of the US.
The okra plants can reach a height of up to six feet. Newer hybrid varieties are available that are not quite as tall, making it easier to harvest the pods. Okra need space between plants to allow sunlight to penetrate to the stalk where the pods form…
