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Growing Okra in Oregon

Okra in Oregon - Photo by Susanne Pope
Okra in Oregon – Photo by Susanne Pope

On my weekly radio show, I not only get questions from gardeners, but I often get comments and information that others want to share. It is especially interesting when a caller discusses plants that I am not familiar with. Several weeks ago I got a call from Susanne in Aloha, Oregon, and she wanted to tell me about how she was growing okra in Oregon.

Okra is not a common crop in Oregon and I have never seen it growing in a home garden. Actually, I don’t think I have ever seen it growing in any situation. Susanne started her plants from seeds in Black Gold Seedling Mix and waited until it was warm before she planted them in her garden. The plants are now flowering and producing pods. Susanne reports that the pods should only be about two inches long when picked. With the hot weather we are currently experiencing, I would think her okra plants would thrive. Judging from the photos, I think Susanne is going to have a good crop. Thanks for sharing, Susanne!

Is anybody else out there having success growing a plant that wouldn’t normally be thought to thrive here in Oregon, or wherever you are? Leave a comment below and tell us about it.

About Mike Darcy

Mike lives and gardens in a suburb of Portland, Oregon where he has resided since 1969. He grew in up Tucson, Arizona where he worked at a small retail nursery during his high school and college years. He received his formal education at the University of Arizona where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture, and though he values his formal education, he values his field-experience more. It is hard to beat the ‘hands on’ experience of actually gardening, visiting gardens, and sharing information with other gardeners. Mike has been involved with gardening communications throughout his adult life. In addition to garden writing, he has done television gardening shows in Portland, and for over 30 years he hosted a Saturday radio talk show in Portland. Now he writes, speaks, gardens and continues to share his love of gardening. To be connected to the gardening industry is a bonus in life for Mike. He has found gardeners to be among the friendliest and most caring, generous people. Consequently, many of his friends he has met through gardening.

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