Okra

Okra or otherwise known as Ladies Fingers is a heat loving plant and is best grown undercover in a greenhouse, polytunnel or conservatory. However if the summer is hot okra can thrive outdoors in a container on a warm sheltered patio or similar.

The plants grow well in pots, grow bags or direct in the ground.

The young pods can be par boiled then deep fried, added to soups, stews and curries etc.

Once established it is a fairly easy plant to grow as long as the soil or compost is kept moist and the plants have enough heat to thrive.

Okra plants can be very prolific under good conditions. A glut of fresh pods can be easily frozen for later use.

Pods are produced over several months and the growth reduces significantly in the cooler autumn temperatures.