Cultivation of okra in a polytunnel GUIDEBOOK SERIES ON TUNNEL CULTIVATION
OKRA A polytunnel allows you to grow plants that would not usually grow in the garden. Thanks to the cover, uncommon and little-known oriental vegetables can mature in a greenhouse. Fans of Asian cuisine, vegetarians and gardeners who like to experiment should plant okra. The edible okra is a tasty and interesting looking vegetable, giving us nutritious and healthy crop with little care. The taste is reminiscent of aubergine with a hint of bean. In the kitchen, it is also used as a natural thickener.
WHAT IS OKRA ? This vegetable is popular in Africa, in western Europe but especially in Asia, where it has become an essential part of traditional cooking. It is grown where hot climate is found. In spite of this, it can be produced in a foil greenhouse, which provides enough light and heat. Okra looks very attractive during early growth. Large leaves grow from the main stem, turning yellow in summer and becoming subject of admiration. Large petals begin to develop from a white tinge, which over time darkens, taking on a bright red color, sometimes covered with black dots. The edible part of the okra is an oblong vegetable, with a cross section.
CULTIVATION OF OKRA
The plant probably comes from Africa, which means it has high demands concerning heat. Growing it in the ground without cover means a great risk that it will not mature. That is why
CULTIVATION REQUIREMENTS
looking after it under cover is a much better solution . Thanks to the plastic foil, a polytunnel or greenhouse will heat up air and soil for longer, providing good conditions for the growth of okra.
A sunny, warm and wind-protected spot will be perfect for its
POSITION
cultivation. It is even better if the okra is constantly exposed to the sun from sunrise to sunset.
SOIL
The optimal substrate will be permeable, heat up quickly and have a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
SOWING The edible okra is planted in a tunnel at the end of February or in March. The temperature should remain at 16 ° C under cover for correct growth. If the gardener has an unheated polytunnel, it is worth waiting until the inside heats up and maintains the required 16 ° C.
SEEDLING The plant does not tolerate transplanting, but we can prepare seedlings by planting in a pot. It must be big enough to accommodate the developing okra. The best temperature for it to emerge is 20 ° C. Before planting the seeds, immerse in water, soak them for 24 hours. Such treatment significantly accelerates germination. When frosts have disappeared and positive temperatures occur inside the tent, seedlings can be placed permanently.
SPACING It is not rare for the plant to reach even 3 meters with favorable conditions, so to avoid damage or bother with other plants, it should be shortened or managed like cucumbers. When using this method, use a stick close to the plants and tie a string between them. Set up poles and plants every 60 cm. Such a support means okra is less likely to break its stem.
HARVEST Almost all varieties release vegetables after two months. Their systematic collection encourages the plant to release more. This goes on until September or October, until the temperature drops below 10 ° C. Keeping the crop for too long on the plant inhibits the formation of the next, so you should collect them as soon as they are mature. Before we start collecting, it's worth putting on gloves. Hair on the vegetable can irritate a delicate skin, and a loss of properties can occur at cooking stage or when preparing dishes .
HEALTHY EATING WITH OKRA The okra, in addition to a high quantity of vitamin C, has a high content of pectin. This reduces cholesterol, protects against ulcers and other painful diseases of the digestive system. Due to its large content in folic acids, it is often chosen as part of the diet for pregnant women or those trying for a child. Lutein and carotenoids not only improve eyesight, but also limit the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
GUIDEBOOK SERIES ON TUNNEL CULTIVATION
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