Okra is easy to grow and can be cultivated next to almost any plant. Because okra can grow to 6 feet tall, they are considered shade plants, so they mustn’t block sunlight for other plants.
Place the okra near plants that repel insects to help it reach its full potential. Continue reading to learn more about companion planting and what plants will pair nicely with okra in your garden this year.
1. Cucumbers
The cucumber plant is quite effective in suppressing the growth of weeds that could deprive your okra of nutrients. Planting cucumber plants adds another layer of pollination power to your okra flowers.
Okra and cucumbers both thrive in moist, fertile soil. Because cucumber plants spread, plant them two to three feet apart and ensure they don’t crowd out other plants growing under your okra.
2. Peppers
Peppers deter pests such as cabbage worms, which are known to consume okra leaves. On the other hand, okra’s height protects the more delicate pepper plant from strong winds.
Okra pairs well with peppers, especially hot peppers like habaneros and jalapenos. Peppers share similar sunlight and watering requirements with okra.
3. Lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing crop that matures while okra plants are still growing. Planting lettuce around the okra plants’ base helps gardeners maximize their garden space. The shallow roots make it a great companion plant.
Okra grows tall enough to provide shade from the summer sun, making it an ideal companion plant for lettuce or any other plant with delicate leaves.
4. Peas
Peas boost the amount of nitrogen in the soil, which helps with the proper development of nearby crops. These cool-weather vegetables thrive when interplanted with okra.
Okra seedlings won’t grow tall until the temperatures increase, which gives peas time to develop pods. By the time the peas are ready for harvest, the okra seedlings should also start to mature and take over the space as it grows.
5. Eggplants
Eggplants prefer shade and can grow under the shade of a tall okra plant. Because okra demands a lot of water, you can grow it next to other crops with the exact watering needs.
Okra also benefits from the potassium that eggplants supply to the soil. When okra plants are planted in soil with low potassium levels, they are susceptible to fusarium wilt disease.
6. Herbs
Tall okra plants can reach 6 feet tall and give shade to delicate herbs in the summer. The strong scent of herbs also deters flea beetles, stinkbugs, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies that infest okra crops.
Herbs also attract beneficial pollinators and insects. Chamomile, wormwood, tansy, yarrow, chives, summer savory, hyssop, chervil, coriander, dill, mint, thyme, geranium, rue, sage, and oregano can be cultivated near okra crops to help enhance the flavor of the pods.
7. Flowers
Sunflowers and other flowers are excellent companions for okra. Calendula, zinnias, and other late-blooming plants are perfect flowers to grow near vegetable patches.
Natural pollinators are drawn to the brightly colored blooms, encouraging beneficial insects to pollinate the large okra flowers, resulting in healthier and more abundant okra pods.
