Companion planting involves strategically placing different plant species near one another to create a mutually beneficial garden ecosystem. This practice leverages natural plant interactions to improve crop health, maximize space, and provide natural pest management. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a tropical, heat-loving vegetable that grows tall and requires substantial nutrients, making it an excellent candidate for this method.
Companions for Pest Deterrence
Certain companion plants function as natural pest control agents, protecting okra from common garden insects through chemical signals or by acting as a decoy. Aromatic herbs are particularly effective because their strong scents mask the chemical signature of the okra plant, making it difficult for pests to locate. Planting basil nearby, for instance, helps repel flea beetles, spider mites, and stink bugs.
Other pungent plants, such as garlic and onions, release sulfur-containing compounds that confuse pests like aphids and scarab beetles. These alliums also help to loosen the soil, which supports the okra plant’s root growth. Flowers like marigolds attract beneficial insects while also producing root exudates that deter microscopic pests. Marigolds release alpha-terthienyl from their roots, which reduces root-knot nematodes, a common pest of okra, by up to 80%.
Nasturtiums and calendula act as trap crops or attractors of beneficial predatory insects. Nasturtiums draw in aphids, diverting them away from the okra, while calendula attracts hoverflies, whose larvae are voracious predators of aphids. Strategic placement of these plants around the perimeter of the okra patch can create a biological barrier against a variety of insect nuisances.
Companions for Nutrient and Structural Support
Okra is a heavy feeder, requiring a significant amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, to support its rapid growth and high yield. Legumes like bush beans and peas are beneficial companions because they form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in the soil. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the okra plant can absorb, providing a continuous nitrogen boost.
Vining varieties of beans can use the tall, sturdy okra stalks as a natural trellis, which saves garden space and keeps the bean vines off the ground. Low-growing bush beans, when planted around the base, function as a living mulch. Their dense foliage shades the soil, suppressing weeds and helping to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Tall, robust plants like sunflowers or corn provide physical benefits to okra, which can grow up to six feet or more. These plants act as windbreaks, protecting the okra’s brittle stems from strong gusts. In regions with intense afternoon sun, the taller companions can offer dappled shade, preventing heat stress while still allowing for the full sun exposure okra needs.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Okra
Some plants should be kept away from okra because they compete directly for resources, share common vulnerabilities, or actively inhibit growth. Planting okra next to other heavy feeders can result in a significant drop in yield for both plants. Brassicas, such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, are notorious for their high nutrient needs, creating intense competition for nitrogen and other soil minerals.
Vining plants, like squash and cucumbers, can be problematic neighbors due to their aggressive growth habit. These plants spread quickly, and their large leaves can crowd the okra, shading the base of the stalk and reducing necessary sunlight. Furthermore, many cucurbits, along with tomatoes and sweet potatoes, share a susceptibility to root-knot nematodes.
Fennel is perhaps the most unsuitable companion due to its allelopathic properties. The roots of the fennel plant secrete chemical compounds, such as trans-anethole, that actively inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including okra. This chemical interference requires the fennel to be planted completely separately, often in a container.