Allotments 4 All
Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Jeannine on January 17, 2008, 20:14:05
-
Some of you may remember the fun and heartache many of us had trying to grow Okra last year, spurred on by the lovely Cleo.
As far as I know none of us really did it.
I managed about 2 little fruits only, and decided this year to take it up as a challenge to myself.
I wondered if anyone else would like to join in.
There are no rules,we just have to produce some fruit.
Perhaps if we kept a thread going from the start it could encourage us all, it got quite hilarious last year.
I can swap seeds if anyone needs any.
Yow will need greenhouse space, I think it is unlikely they will grow outside, however i might be wrong.
All advice is welcome.
Any takers .
XX Jeannine
-
I will be happy to participate, but just want it to go on record that I have tried okra before and have not even managed to get it to germinate.
Hopefully things will go better this year.
I have three varieties as seed - Clemsons Spineless (the one I tried before), Cow Horn and Alabama Red. Will try 2 of each.
-
I'll have a go if the weather gives me a break long enough to get the polytunnel up.
-
My word remains my bond.
you produce a decent crop and my wok and kitchen are here to cook them for you.
-
I have Okra seeds, but no greenhouse. ??? That's what comes of being a seedaholic.
I'll sow some in the hope we get a summer like 2006 8)
-
Well done Cleo, I thought I could rely on you, now tell the folks the whole thing in case some of them were not here last year..by the way,I am trying your Pure Luck too.XX Jeannine
-
I have plenty of greenhouse space but no Okra seeds. If they are readily available locally I would like to join in.
-
I got mine from Suffolk Herbs - not so local for me, but reasonable postage rates and service.
-
I have loads PM me XX Jeannine
-
Thank you Jeannine. I have sent you a PM.
-
I wouldn't mind trying but having grown it before you need very many plants just to get a decent crop and I'm not sure about giving up the space but will think about it - the flowers are beautiful though, worth it for them :D
-
I am going to have a go this year with Clemson's spineless.
Any successful growers out there that have got any tips?
-
I'm with VP, but can't resist a challenge. Not sure if I have any seeds, but hunting them down is half the fun 8)
-
Just found this!
This is rarely seen outside Indian restaurants, where it is known as “Ladies Fingers”, but the ribbed, pointed, fleshy, dark green seed pods are delicately flavoured and invaluable for adding body and interest to soups and casseroles. Alternatively, they can be used alone as a cooked vegetable. The interesting and attractive plants are not hard to raise and can be grown just like Tomatoes, either in the greenhouse bed or in 8 or 10 in. plant pots. Will succeed out of doors in a summer like 1976. ;D
-
Count me in for this challenge!
This year i will try to grow Clemson Spineless, Better Five F1 and Burgundy Red.
Last year my Clemson did nothing, but the year before that i got about a few pods from four surviving plants. Still blame it on the heatwave in spring followed by rain, rain and rain in early summer.
But, contrary to you, I did grow them outside both times.
Good luck everybody. Hopefully we'll meet at cleo's.
-
I will give it one more go! can't be any worse than last year (famous last words) Red Burgundy the chosen one
let battle commence!
-
Ok.. are we all going to plant at the same time and if so when,any variety we choose,or several if we wish. Everybody to support everybody else with tips and pitfalls etc, and if anyone gets then we all cheer,RIGHT!!
THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION
Varieties I have currently have are:
Star of David
Annie Oakley
Red Burgundy
Lee
Bowling Red
Louisianna Long Green
Emerald Velvet
Pure Luck ( from Cleo..thank you)
So does anyone have any ideas when we should plant.
XX Jeannine
-
Me thinks,,,, April 1!
-
This site looks to have been written by somebody experienced in growing Okra. The soaking in bleach and water is different.
Also the note regarding harvesting using protective clothing is interesting.
Hope the link works as I'm still not confident.
http://www.tinkersgardens.com/vegetables/okra.asp
-
Whilst I would be happy to go along with the majority I suggest that each does their own thing whilst reporting back regularly on progress. Some live in the warmer south some live in the colder north. Some have greenhouses some have not. Some will sow in propogators and some not. Some will want to sow early and some late. Some will want to try several different sowing times.
As the object is to get a good crop and if its not a competition then why not sow when each indivual wants.
-
Is 13-13-13 some sort of American fertiliser?
What's the British equivalent?
-
My word remains my bond.
you produce a decent crop and my wok and kitchen are here to cook them for you.
I hope Tim takes part in this as I reckon he's partial to curries and also west indian food uses okra quite a lot - prawn gumbo being the most well known so we should have some recipes at the ready as well ;)
-
Don't know the equivalent because I am a spongecake when it comes to that sort of thing but it appears that in the US fertilizer bags are labeled with at least three numbers. I have copied the following.
These numbers list the percentage of nitrogen (N), available phosphate (as P2O5) and soluble potash (as K2O). These numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, commonly referred to as N-P-K. However, these elements are symbolically represented as N-P2O5-K2O. For example, if we have a 100- pound bag of fertilizer labeled 10-10-10, it contains 10 pounds of N, 10 pounds of P2O5, and 10 pounds of K2O. To convert to actual phosphorus, multiply the P2O5 by 0.44 and, to convert to actual potassium, multiply the K2O by 0.83. The other 70 pounds is filler or carrier which is important to help spread the fertilizer evenly and avoid burning plants with too much fertilizer. A 100-pound bag of fertilizer labeled 0-20-10 would contain no N, 20 pounds of P2O5, 10 pounds of K2O and 70 pounds of filler or carrier. Fillers may be clay, saw dust etc. Other parts of the nutrient carrier may be other elements associated with the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium such as hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, and chloride.
-
Don't know the equivalent because I am a spongecake when it comes to that sort of thing but it appears that in the US fertilizer bags are labeled with at least three numbers. I have copied the following.
These numbers list the percentage of nitrogen (N), available phosphate (as P2O5) and soluble potash (as K2O). These numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, commonly referred to as N-P-K. However, these elements are symbolically represented as N-P2O5-K2O. For example, if we have a 100- pound bag of fertilizer labeled 10-10-10, it contains 10 pounds of N, 10 pounds of P2O5, and 10 pounds of K2O. To convert to actual phosphorus, multiply the P2O5 by 0.44 and, to convert to actual potassium, multiply the K2O by 0.83. The other 70 pounds is filler or carrier which is important to help spread the fertilizer evenly and avoid burning plants with too much fertilizer. A 100-pound bag of fertilizer labeled 0-20-10 would contain no N, 20 pounds of P2O5, 10 pounds of K2O and 70 pounds of filler or carrier. Fillers may be clay, saw dust etc. Other parts of the nutrient carrier may be other elements associated with the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium such as hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, and chloride.
My head hurts...
I remembert his stuff from when I first started growing veg as a teenager in South Africa. Good if you are not fussed about being organic. Just be careful and don't leave the granules anywhere near the stems or leaves of the plants as they will burn them - I burnt through a few cucumber plants before I learned that lesson.
-
I had a laugh earlier today when reading about growing Okra. 'Treat like tomatoes' the website said. Ha!
I think given that the okra will need a good season to do anything useful it should be started earlier. However, the same website said they do not like being transplanted, so not too early.
Maybe the 1st April suggestion is about right?
-
I think I've got some seed left.
Year 1 I got one fruit.
Yr 2 they all damped off at the seedling stage.
In reply to dtw, UK fertilizers show the same thing, and as morton said, it shows the % of NPK in the mix. What it means is you have a balanced fertilizser with equal quantities of each.
-
You are right with the US fertilsers, how ever most folks that use them use an all round like 10 10 10, anyway..
This is the little I know about Okra.
It neede heat to germinate,I found that bit easy.
It likes to be moist throughout but hates wet and it can tolerate some dry..now if you are confused join the club.
It seems to grow well, then it stops, it just stops, then it starts again.
Then they croak!!
One by one most of us dropped out, mine went belly up in the floods though, I did feel I might have managed a few good plants but I ended up with 1 that I rescued and it had two fruit..I started with a propagator full!!
It was a big laugh, albeit a bit frustrating.
XX Jeannine
PS. forgive me if I am repeating myself but I put quite a lot of seed in the swap parcel, and I will add some to the other two swaps that are coming my way.
-
Take some from the swap parcel Tom, I put about 5 varieties in there. XX Jeannine
-
Of course, this is for all who like a challenge.XX Jeannine
-
Hi Jeannine,
Since you had some luck with the plants last year (sans floods) do you have any tips on how to grow these? How did you plant/treat the seeds, seedlings etc to get them as far as you did?
-
The short answer is no... the longer answer is well maybe.
What I did find for sure is they like heat. They slowed down if the temp went down and picked up when it got hot. Mine were in a greenhouse and they loved the very high heat of the summer.
The biggy I learned is that they don't like to be transplanted. the ones I started in Jiffy7 pots then moved to 3 inch pots were fine, the ones I started in cells then transplanted into 3 inch pots sulked.
I put them in propogaters in the dark warm airing cupboard and when they popped I moved them into a warm greenhouse.
That really is all I know first hand..oh yes they like moisture, if they went dry they sulked too.
XX Jeannine
I am hoping to stsrt some in half term in two weeks, but I might start a few befor to check germination.
-
Thanks for this info. Will be a very interesting challenge methinks...
-
OK the rules are;
1-Open to UK based folk only( sorry but that`s the way it is)
2-A `decent` crop means at least 8 good fruit per plant.
3- the winner/winners to divulge their secrets for the benefit of mere mortals
The dubious prize?-I`ll cook them for you here. There is no pool,no accommodation and you have to put up with my tantrums when I`m cooking-but imagine your pride when the photos get posted ;D
-
Thank you Cleo, I'me gonna get it this year!! Can you cater for a crowd, there are some very determined folks joining in XX Jeannine
-
Don't follow this one it is for growing in the south in the US..very hot there and easy to grow LOL
We need one called " Okra on the 'umber" or thereabouts.
XX Jeannine
-
Like I said Jeannine-there is no accommodation here but I have a pretty large garden folk can wander around while I cook. I`m going for yard long beans this year. Now who will be bringing the tiger prawns and curry leaves? :)
-
8 fruit stand so far and it will not increase,but I have asked over in the US on a site I like
Has anyone ever seen these growing or even grown them?
I`m putting up a challenge in the UK for my keen gardening friends. Nobody won it last year but many are up for it this year-the prize is me cooking them.
I`ve given up but my rules are 8 fruit per plant-is that a lot for a plant? How many does one plant give in ideal conditions?
In the UK we can manage between two and four if we get lucky -but I don`t really know what a hard but fair challenge should ask.
I`ve given up btw but there are some keen gardeners over here and some have heard about my cooking :-)
-
Hi there
Tried to grow them last year-all the sseds germinated and got up to 6" tall in an unheated GH.Planted them out under a cloche-just stopped growing.Going to try again-clemsons spineless-bought some today for half price-suttons
Will keep you all posted
-
If I tell you that the weather in the Netherlands is just secondhand weather from the UK, can I be in your okra challenge?
I'm not in any 'deep south' hot and humid weather zone, so no unfair headstart. In fact I am at a disadvantage as I also don't own a greenhouse and have to grow them outside.
And I will pay my own travel expenses to cleo's if I do have a decent crop.
Please?? :'(
-
Of course you can,Netherlands is family to me now anyway. I might even send some to my son and see if he can do it outside, his grapevine is good in Emmen. XX Jeannine. I will post an update on names later today. We need to stick together!!!
Cleo, you better start the big pot a boiling now, we could be having the 2008 reunion at your place
XX Jeannine
-
You have a son in Emmen? They have a fantastic zoo there (seriously, one of the best in Europe).
Plus one of the neighbouring towns has a really cute Kabouterland (Dwarf Land). They even have warning signs on the street 'warning, dwarf crossing' type things. Very cute.
-
If I tell you that the weather in the Netherlands is just secondhand weather from the UK, can I be in your okra challenge?
I'm not in any 'deep south' hot and humid weather zone, so no unfair headstart. In fact I am at a disadvantage as I also don't own a greenhouse and have to grow them outside.
And I will pay my own travel expenses to cleo's if I do have a decent crop.
Please??
My rules are very strict,non UK residents would have to be vetted.But in this case -of course you can ;D
-
Thank you so very much :-*
-
Oh, Oh can I join in too...................mind you I HATE okra, but love a challenge and deffo up for a free meal at Cleo's! ;D ;) (will be bringing the okra as no one else here will eat it! ;) ;D)
Will grap some seeds out of the next swap.
DP
-
I've grown Clemson and Burgundy okra successfully in Delaware. It likes HEAT, not cold soil. Maybe putting down black plastic around it would help those in colder areas but seed will probably rot in cold damp soil. It also likes moisture but well-drained. The Clemson had more pods than the Burgundy but I planted the Burgundy in with other flowers because it is beautiful (except when the Japanese beetles get after the leaves.
When it starts bearing, cut off the pods- don't let them get larger than about 3 inches or they usually get woody.
Just throw them in a zzip-lock bag and into the freezer. They'll keep to add to stews and soups as a thickener. Very handy. some folks here like to batter dip and fry them but we didn't need that extra fat.
-
Brilliant ;D,reverse Psychology;
mind you I HATE okra
Welcome to the challenge Doris
-
Since I'm not allowed to join I have a suggestion for those growing them outside,
plant them in a black plastic bag of soil. Should warm up much faster.
-
Hey Grannie , stick around, maybe you can be our overseas cheerleader, we need all the help we can get and your vali=uable information will give us all confidence.
I used to be able to grow them in Canada, I had an odd job man that gave me plants so I didn't have to grow from seed, but here it seems a devil of a challenge.
Do you know much about the different varieties, I have bought several this year in order to really have a go.
I have.
Star of David
Annie Oakley
Red Burgundy
Lee
Bowling Red
Louisanna Long Green
Emerald Velvet
Pure Luck
Cajun Delight
Any ideas which ones would stand the better chance,I seem to be leaning toward Cajun delight!!
Thank you for your lovely help so far.
XX Jeannine
-
Can we play? Have some okra seeds that we are hoping to grow this year - although from reading the posts might be a bit cold here?
-
I'd like to give it a go being at the coast - maybe I will have better luck with us supposingly being warmer. I however do not have any seeds and am not in the latest seed swap.
Has anyone got any seed for me to try? Not fussy about the variety.
Jitterbug
-
hi can i join in, i will have to try and get some seeds but i would like to play
-
You are welcome to join folks but all my spare seeds have gone or are in the 2008 pass the parcel ,but they are available almost anywhere.
XX Jeannine
-
Just looked in the greenhouse and my Bowling Red Okra from the wonderful Jeannie gave germinated!!
I remember sending lots of people some Mammoth Okra, how did you get on with it??
-
Evening Biscombe
The mammoth you gave me made a massive 9 inches which given our summer was as much as I could expect.
Now ,this year will be a different story I still have some of your seed left and will be sowing v, soon.
I know Cleo is worried (nnnnot)
-
Having received some seed from the lovely Jeannine I soaked and sowed some in a heated propogator over two weeks ago and still no show. I sowed some more on Monday of this week without soaking, laid on the top of compost and covered with vermiculite and some have germinated in the propogator in two and three days!!! I will keep on experimenting.
Whether this is a fluke and whether they survive or not is another matter but I was advised years ago to always start sweetcorn this way.
-
Morton, I would advise you against soaking your sweetcorn seed, it was Ok years ago when there were very few types but with todays types many of them do not take the soaking well and they rot very quickly.
I know some folks still do it and they swear by it,but they are taking a chance with some varieties. The seeds will germinate very well without soaking and no danger of rotting unlkess you keep them too wet.
I personally don't soak the Okra either but I cannot stick my neck out on this one as I am not as familiar with it as corn.
XX Jeannine
-
OK Jeannine I will forget about soaking now. Thanks for the information.
-
Can I join in the okra competition please?
Two weeks ago I put 5 okra seeds on wet kitchen roll in a small bowl and placed them in a propagator in the airing cupboard. They all started to split so I then transferred the seeds into 1inch peat pots and put them in a propagator on a windowsill. 4 of them have just started to unroll but 1 is about ½ inch high but the leaf looks a bit damaged.
Last year mine all died when they were about 2 inches high but I had sowed them in a pot and pricked them out. This year I will be able to put the peat pot directly into another pot without, I hope, too much damage to the roots.
I might try sowing some direct into the 1 inch peat pots and see how long they take to germinate that way.
-
Of course you can, and well done. I guess I should do mine this week too.XX Jeannine
-
I sowed okra on Monday and they have germinated!!
Have I won?
mind you that is probably as good as it gets.
-
I've five Star of David seeds I had gifted last year...anyone want them? PM me if you do.
Good luck everybody! 2 years ago I had a bash at growing them - all germinated, were growing into nice looking plants in pots in the g/house - til a b. cat got in there & knocked them all over :(
Got a brill asian g/grocer round the corner tho, so no shortage of okra here. Love it.
-
Ekkkkkk , I should be sowing, cripes I am behind already then! ;D
Mind you great excuse to sow something....anything......even is it is okra! ;) ;D
-
Good try M.Rover... you really made me laugh,
Doris..panic not darling, I haven't even thought about mine yet.
Lish, we have heard that one before too.
One by one we all fell off the Okra bench last year, it was hilarious, they started, they stopped, they started again, they looked ill, they picked up.......they croaked.
At the end of the season no-one came anywhere near Cleo's challenge.
I did get two fruits though.
Of course speaking for myself, mine got lost in the floods!!!
Still laughing.
XX Jeannine
-
And no excuses-just because I can`t walk doesn`t mean I don`t watch. And I should be up and about by the time anyone wins ;D
-
Don't you worry Cleo, they all know we need pictures of Okra still on the plant..not a pile of pods on a plate. Hope the leg id better soon, it must be dreadfullt painful, I have popped a calf muscle to the point of being disabled in a wheel chair for 4 months but I am told that the Achilles is worse than anything, Hugs to you sweetie XX Jeannine
-
have sown my okra today - pure luck - probably a good name for it ;D
how are other's doing?
-
Two out of eight germinated, look quite healthy, but have gone a bit leggy so I will be potting them up quite deeply.
-
I would join in but i dont want to beat you all!!! SHE SAYS!! i have trouble growing carrots let alone okra!!! lol.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
i have some seed, might have a go and grow some :-\ :-\ :-\
-
Well done the two latest sowers..who else has sown, come on FESS UP,,you have to tell us or it doesn't count later!!!!
Gunnerbee, you can't chuck out a comment like that and not join in..go on get your pots..I dare you.......................
I haven't sown mine yet
XX Jeannine
-
o.k but dont laugh at the results xx
-
Not me... lokk at last years post if you want a laugh.
Go for it.
I am planting mine tomorrow
XX Jeannine
-
Hi y'all
Sowed 18 seeds of Better Five F1 about ten days ago and they have all germinated! One is a bit off, but might feel better in a few days.
Next week I'll sow a red variety, called Burgundy Red.
If they are a bit taller, I'll try to post a picture as proof.
Cleo, get those pans ready and I'll look up the fare for the ferry.
Garjan
-
hi does anyone have a few seeds of okra i could have so i can have a go?
i would love to join in and would be happy to send anything i have in return
-
yes i got some, pm me your address and ill dig em out!
-
Little bb.I've still got 5 Star of David seeds....so if you want them as well, PM me your address...
Don't know what sort Gunnerbee's got, but TWO varieties? Go on!...you know you want to ;D
-
If anybody on the tomato swap wants Okra seeds let me know and I will put some in when I send back your toms.
Actually I do have rather a lot anyway so let me change that to if anyone wants to join the challenge and need seeds let me know. I have several types. I did run out but finally I managed to get more.
The more the merrier, I am certain Chloe will agree
XX Jeannine
-
I now have three strong seedlings and one weak one, all potted on into 3" pots. Here is one:
I am sorry that the photo is not very good.
-
are they o.k on a kitchen window? or do they grow leggy?
-
Mine are on a west facing window ledge in the breakfast room.
-
Hi Jeannine thank you for your kind offer of okra challenge seeds! i think ive pm'ed you my address, this is still all quite new to me and as for putting photos on ....well, it shall be my 2008 challenge if i get anything to grow! thanks again. ::)
-
Hi Pauline
Your seedling is so much more developed then mine. When did you sow them?
Mine only have two seedling leaves, but germinated less then five days ago.
I'm chuffed, though.
-
Mine are still in the packets!! ::) :o
Had best get going and sow some this weekend or you lot will be miles ahead! ;D
-
Planted mine half an hour ago, 3 types XX Jeannine
-
I sowed mine last week, in my unheated greenhouse.
They haven't germinated yet, I hope they will be ok in the cold weather.
It reached 25C today.
-
Hi Pauline
Your seedling is so much more developed then mine. When did you sow them?
Mine only have two seedling leaves, but germinated less then five days ago.
I'm chuffed, though.
I planted mine at the end of January. I wanted to get a good start as they haven't come to anything in previous years. Fingers crossed for this year. :D
-
mine have germinated after 2 days, warm kitchen - I'm pleased as they are quite old seeds, not many though, as I've said before you need a lot for a good crop
someone mentioned a red variety, red burgundy, in what way is this red - flower, stem, pod - sounds really interesting :)
-
Hi, Red Burgundy ( has a few aliases too) has red foliage, purple/pink flowers and red pods that turn green on cooking .
XX Jeannine
-
thanks, that sounds great, if my interest in reinstated this year with okra then I'll try that variety next year :)
-
Would you like a few seeds?
-
I have two of my Lee Okra have popped the surface, less than 48 hours. XX Jeannine
-
Would you like a few seeds?
oooh yes that would be lovely and I could incorporate them into this year's trial
what would you like in return :)
-
Hi, I don't need anything in return,I have lots of seeds again..been buying Aghh and I have done some swaps for basics for the kids at school so I am OK.
I will pop them in the mail today, PM your addy please.
XX Jeannine
-
Is anyone still waiting for seeds, I think I sent them all out but I haven't heard back XX Jeannine
-
I think I may be the first to fall by the wayside! :-[ And I was soooooooooo looking forward to Cleo's meal! ;D
Had planned a mad sowing session on the now plastic covered dining room table this afternoon, and thought I would start with the okra, was going to take the risky way of not soaking :o..........and I cannot for love nor money find the ruddy seeds I took out of Jeannines seed swap. Have had my veg and flower seed boxes turned inside out.but no Okra!
Now this is either: -
(a) a cunning ploy by one of you out there, who snuck in during the night and removed them, so I do not win ;D ;D ;D
(b) I put them back into the pass the parcel when I added my own contributions, whilst having a "blonde" moment.
(c) I put them somewhere "safe" in this house thinking they didn't fit into any of my veg catorgories on the bags I keep my seeds in.
I am leaning towards C at the moment, though to be fair, the older I am getting the more likely it is to be B :-[ ::), and have now moved from the veg/flower boxes, to turning the house inside out.
But on a plus note, the little laundry room where I chuck stuff, is now looking very very tidy for once, but am now an hour late starting on my sowing! ;D
Well off for another foray into the seed box, only the third time I will have taken every packet out! ;) Wish me luck ;D
-
D.P I have plenty of mammoth okra sent from Biscome,there are only so many rooms you can tidy, so if wanted p.m.
Cleo's real wrorried now.
-
Mmm Okra nickers eh!! This is getting bad.. you keep looking over your shoulder and protect your seeds.. I have some more of you can remember the type.
Oh..tis a dirty game this Okra growing.
XX Jeannine
PS you don't love near Cleo do you? Nah.......
-
I'm still in. 4 red ocra have their heads poking out of the compost although there is still no sign of the white ones sown at the same time.
-
All of mine are up but very leggy as we discovered our greenhouse light had gone so I have had them in the house. Need to get that greenhouse sorted out!! XX Jeannine
-
OK hands up, it was not sabotage, it was (c)!
So I now have a very tidy laundry, and my shoes in the rack are in perfect order, and my seeds have been looked through 3 or was it 4 times.............................they were in the recycling bin............. the most obvious place to look of course......NOT! :o ::) :-[
So thank you for offers of more seeds, am now alright, and they are now soaking cos by the time I found the blooming things, I had run out of sowing time! :-\
-
I think it about time we fessed up and said if we are in or not and what have we sowed and when.
I am Jeannine last week I sowed 5 seeds of three varieties
Lee
Annie Oakley
Cajun Delight
All 15 have germinated, they are 3 inches tall.. but very stretched and leggy,not good. Lack of light.
I will cut them down to just a couple of each I think if nature doesn't do it for me.
Come on folks who has sown what, when and how many!!
-
Planted 8 Clemson Spineless - only three germinated.......and now left with one long leggy one!!!!!!!!!!!
I will plant some more tomorrow - here's hoping for more luck!
-
i'm in but i havent got seeds yet, will be here soon with the tomatoes :)
-
I am going great guns! two have already died. the other four are leggy so I am going to sow some more red ones.Should we be making Cleo laugh in his condition?
-
Oh yes,laughter is the best therapy....
Go folks go....
-
Today I mostly sowed Okra!
A few each of Emerela Velvet, Bowling Red, Mammouth & Pure Luck. I figured I might win with the last one! ;D
-
I'm in.
Sowed 18 Better Five F1 seeds on March 9th, all germinated March 19th.
Lost 6 of them, because their leaves didn't unfold out of the husk.
There is yet another one of the leftover 12 that has a seed pod as a head instead of two leaves as the others have. It looks like a little zombie seedling. Does anyone know why these horrible things happen?
Today I will sow the Red Burgundy. I found some room to squeeze a new tray in.
-
I have three remaining seedlings (Clemson Spineless) but they don't look that good. I noticed that there were tiny white lumps under the leaves. Are they insect eggs or is this normal? I wiped them all off anyway as I was scared in case they were eggs of green or whitefly and I didn't want them spreading to my other plants. Your advice would be much appreciated please. :-\
-
I saw the same, without glasses they looked like tiny crystals, thought I may have over watered.
Otherwise no idea.
-
Oh the fun is starting... zombie plants and unknown crystally eggs.
XX Jeannine
-
Probably the signs of the best ever crop known.
-
Built in granulated feriliser maybe
Oh my update, well mine all generated then stayed in the house and got very leggy when I was really ill there for a week, figured they would be useless so stuck them out in the cold greenhouse planning to plant more when the croaked,, but they haven't ??
XX Jeannine
-
I'm another who thought she had seeds but no..... Purple tomatillos I have by the bucket load. Oh well, tis always next year.
-
Emma. pm your addy I will send you soem
-
I am in - but need to still order my seeds. Sorry, I've been busy.... Last year was a total fairlure and non even germated.
Will let you knwo when I sow...
Jitterbug
-
jeannine - the red burgundy arrived today - thank you so much :-*
sown lots of them already - looking forward to these
-
well mine are in as well now, thank you to the people who sent me seeds :)
i will add the varietys as soon as i can
-
LBB.....did the seeds I sent you arrive?
-
Hi did mine make it too XX Jeannine
-
i have seeds from 3 people,
Alishka, thankyou yours arrived on thursday
Jeanine so sorry i was overwhelmed by everything in my envelope, thankyou
and someone else, hmm i have pm'd you, well i hope its you otherwise someones going to be confused lol
-
I have just been out to check what my Okra seeds are and................
i have a little plantlet ;D 8) just one but it is there
ok, declaring myself in i have planted
4 of emerald green velvet
8 of louisanna long
5 of star of david
thank you Jeannine, Lish and Gunnerbee
i have never eaten okra, i'm going to have to try it now, but i'm a sucker for pretty flowers
lbb
-
My okra leaves got those little crystal things on the underside as well - then the leaves died and fell off. Just checked the remaining plant and those leaves are going the same way - so that's the end of that plant then ???
Just as well another three have germinated - hope they don't go the same way!
-
I got some okra seed last week, strangely enough!
I'll let you know if I manage to get any fruit!
-
Well hello Herbyhazel, welcome to A4A and this silly thread to.
This is a sort of ongoing challenge which creates a bit of a laugh,good luck and stay in touch here,
You might also want to put a post on about being new so you can get a proper welcome.
XX Jeannine
-
My okra leaves got those little crystal things on the underside as well -
probably something to do with the whole plant being mucilaginous - oil can be pressed from the plant and the pods are very gooey inside as well which you find out when you come to cooking - gives 'gumbo' new meaning ;D
-
I have got some seeds but have no instructions on how to grow them.
How big they get or anything
HELP
-
They come all heights, if you can tell me the name I can give you the info XX Jeannine
-
Then the 1.5 metre that it says on my packet of Red Burgundy seeds is true? :o
Having only grown Clemsons Spineless that grew to be 50 cm height, I thought that all okra grows to be that high.
Now I need to look for another place to plant the Red Burgundy out.
Can you tell me how tall Better Five F1 will be? There is no info on my seed packet.
-
Thanks Jeannine, they arrived this morning and will be sown this evening. I shall post their progress.
-
oooh i love pretty prettys! ive got a conservatory so could cheat... but its full of kids toys so i wont, will plop it in the garden or lottie... where are you getting the seeds from then? would love to have a go! or am i too late? am up for a giggle tho late or not :D lou x
-
I will sow mine later this evening, will let you know what they are when I've got them out. All from Jeannine's fabulous parcel I think. :)
-
Hi all
Last evening I noticed the cristally drops on the downside of the leaves that Tin Shed mentioned. I thought my Better Five seedlings were done for, but this morning the drops were gone and my seedlings okay. :)
No sign yet of the Burgundy Red.
Does someone know whether the varieties differ in time needed for germination?
And how are your okras doing?
-
Mine aren't dead yet !
-
my 'pure luck' are doing well, all with a few leaves and I'll be potting them on soon - the 'red burgundy' from Jeannine aren't germinating well at all and some have damped off but those that are looking good are already showing some red on the stems, so looking forward to those very much :)
-
Mine are all still with us..no probs so far.. OH methinks I might regret saying that.
I have about 4 leaves on them, but they haven't started to sulk yet,bless em
XX Jeannine
-
Four leaves here too, do you think if I look under one I'll find fruit.
-
I think you would have more luck looking under a four leaved clover!!!
Ho Ho, I love this thread.
We are doing well though, no one is sulking or croaking.
Cleo, I hope you have a very big wok!!
XX Jeannine
-
About half of mine have germinated, 3 Bowling Red and 3 Emerald Velvet :)
-
Very late in the day, but mine are now sown and cosy in the conservatory.
-
Don' worry EJ
I have just managed to get my seed Okra Mammoth and will be putting it in tonight!
Jitterbug
-
Even later than a late thing ;D
We got some "Pure Luck" seeds, and followed the tinkersgarden advice of soaking them in very mild bleach solution for 24 hours, then planted them in ordinary seed compost. We've planted 6 seeds, in the hope that one plant at least will survive.
We've also acquired a couple of giant cloches/mini polytunnels. One will house the okra, the other aubergines.
The cloche/polytunnel is about 5 feet high. I know that okra grows to some gigantic height, but I plan to pinch it out to keep it within the cloche. That'll mean fewer flowers, but with luck they'll mature into pods.
-
Just an update on my okra. The three surviving plants are very spindly and have hardly grown at all. I decided to sow some more seeds yesterday and hope they do better. :-\
-
Where did the giant cloches come from?
-
Where did the giant cloches come from?
From everyone's favourite auction site ;D
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260230282470
They're sold as "polytunnel greenhouses", but the person in the picture must be a child. Practically they're about 4'6" high.
-
I have about 10 okra seedlings, they're only about an inch high.
I hope they don't grow too quickly, as they'll need planting out before the final frosts are upon us.
-
Mine are still alive!
Oh the sheer folly of it all.
-
planted mine all up today in their final pots in the greenhouse, 11 plants altogether - here's hoping :)
-
Hi all, I had to abandon all my greenhouse seedlings weeks ago so have nothing growing apart from a few toms that I managed to have babysat. I might try planting a few more okra just to keep in with the fun though.
Still wishing you all lots of luck!!
XX Jeannine
-
Six green okras, planted in a pot
Five green okras actually came up
.....
watch this space for progress ;D All we have so far are tiny seedlings, but the warm weather seems to suit them!
-
Good day all
I am a 4th time failed very unlucky okra grower, so far in 4 years I have raised 1 edible sized fruit and a handful of flowers . I have decided to give them one more try and have searched the net for any hints. Apart from emigrating to Texas I think this site is my best bet for information and inspiration.
I am trying Clemson Spineless again as I have never seen anything else on sale. So far I am at the 2 cotyledon and a little leaf stage and the progress of growth seems to have stalled.
I too would be interested in joining your non competition, if only for pitting my monumental skills as a failure against you all.
I look forward to the continued tips and progress reports from you all.
Mick B
-
Hi mickb
welcome to the site
lbb
-
Mine are growing a bit quicker now, they are about 4 inches with some reasonable sized leaves. :D
Still in the greenhouse though.
-
Welcome aboard Mickb... I'm not even trying, having failed more times than I care to remember... stick to something less demanding, like Sweet Potatoes...
;D
-
Mine look as sick as a parrot. They are very spindly, about 4inches tall and have one pair of leaves at the top of the long stalk. There is no hope for them. :(
-
Pauline, sounds like we have the same problem! ;D
I was going to try burying them up to their leaves to see if it kills or cures! ;)
Lost 3 of mine already, now down to 6 pathetic specimens!
Fun eh! ;D
-
I am sitting in the shade of my okra leaves, nnnnnnnot!
10 inches tall and acting like Divas.
-
mine are less than a foot tall but i think they might have flower buds on them!!!!!
lbb
-
Went to my plot and my okra has wilted and gone :'(
-
Do they need support, or do the stalks stiffen up (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/AnthillMob/trivia.gif) like sunflowers?
-
Never got chance to find out ;D
-
Mine are strong and well, a dozen of them, but still only seed leaf tall! >:(
-
I didn`t even bother this year-I`m late enough with stuff I can grow. I sold the first tom plants from the house yesterday-about six weeks later than last year-almost exactly as long as I couldn`t walk ;)
-
I am trying several thinks to try and see what works. I have transplanted 2 plants into soil in pots, If anything these are doing slightly worse than the ones in compost in seed trays,
Next I have 2 seed trays on a heated propogator, these are whizzing away and have grown to 3" high with 5 leaves as opposed to the unheated ones at 2" with 3 leaves.
Today with the lousy weather I have set up 2 flourescent tubes to boost the light levels and let them think the sun is shining.
I suppose talking to them is next.
Mick B
-
dtw,I think they need all the support they can get!
-
Hi everyone,
I have got a new allotment and have been left some plants by an anonymous plot holder which included a couple of okra plants, so i thought I'd check out what to do with them which led me here!! Looks like a great site for someone new at this, like me!! :) Anyway, they are about 8 inches with a few leaves, after reading your posts I know they have to be in greenhouse but what do i do with them? should i repot them or put them in a growbag and do they grow upwards?? how much space will they take up as i only have a small greenhouse! Any advice is appreciated!! Thanks ???
-
Height depends on ther variety, some grow to 8 or 9 feet and some are dwarf.
They really dislike being transplanted by the way.
XX Jeannine
-
they are only in small pots about 3- 4inch. will they be ok in these or am i already destined to lose them?? :( i see from all the posts they seem pretty difficult to grow!
-
These are heat loving plants which prefer to be direct sown into warm sopil in very warm wether.. not your typical Uk summers!!
They therefore need to be coaxed and tricked and need to be in huge pots to be able to grow but get them transplanted before they get root bound or they will sulk.
I got mine to full size last year but only managed two mature fruits per plant which is pitiful. Mine were in five gallon pots This was in a greenhouse. They started life in a heated propergater very early, that part was easy.. then transplanted to 4 inch pots for a little while, under lights and in a heated greenhouse. They kept the artificial heat and light heat till nature took over and finished in a greenhouse in huge pots..
I got lots of beautiful flowers but not much fruit so I still think they needed longer than I gave them, however, I have since learned that there are many different types and the short season ones are the best bet for the UK.
XX Jeannine
-
Thanks Jeannine,
I'll put them in big pots and see how they go!! Hopefully I'll have some beginners luck!! :-) will let u know how i get on!
Thanks again x
-
My okra, both Better Five and Red Burgundy, are doing fine. OUTSIDE! :o
I am quite amazed, as there was quite some rain and wind over here (the Netherlands). Because of the slipped disc I wasn't able to shield them, but the produced their second pair of leaves and are standing tall.
Perhaps they don't like being fussed over?
Hope they survive this summer and produce some fruits.
-
Looked this evening and something has had two of ours, only 3 left, 2 with seed leaves and one going great guns with 5 leaves! I think we need more sun, the last two weeks have been rather cold and extremely wet and althought they are in a plastic cold frame, it is a bit miserable for them. Hopefully I can put them in a more protected cold frame on site this weekend. Keep your fingers crpssed for them.
-
No Noooooooooooo!
Surely no-one else is up for the okra challenge ever ever never ever more .
You know it makes sense :)
-
Gazfoz,looking at my pathetic plants you could be right. Lychees anyone?
-
Mark, bet mine are more pathetic looking than yours! ;D ;D
They've not grown a cm in weeks! But I am pleased they are still alive. ;)
Now Lychees....................I love em! ;D
-
if i can convince someone to take a picture of my Okra is it hard to et the pc on here?
I would love for you all to see them
lbb
-
I have mine indoors in a conservatory in 3 different situations.
1. Transplanted into 6" pots containing garden soil. Result is pathetic, spindly, weak plants still at 2 Cotyledons and 2 leaves the size of a 10p coin
2. Still in the original seed tray, thinned to 1 per tray, original compost, sat permanently on a propagator maintaining 26 degrees. Result is a lot better 5" planrs still quite spindly, 4 real leaves biggest 2" across.
3, Transplanted from type 2, 2 weeks ago, 3 in a growbag, sat on a propagator maintaining at least 24 degrees. Result is better still, I transplanted them up to the cotyledons so they are 2" deeper than the others, the big ones are still 7" tall (+ the 2 " in the soil makes 9") still have 4 real leaves but they are nearly twice the size.
Conclusion must be that heat and root freedom ae the key so far.
Hopefully some full on sun over the next few weeks will pay off.
Happy growing
Mick B
-
here is a picture as promised, i hope it works,
i wanted one with a flower but they close up at night
lbb
-
I sowned mine given to me by Jeannine in the greenhouse direct in the ground. They were not doing well, alot didn't come to anything so I thought i would move the few that did and now they are coming on ok in a a tub.
-
We've still got three left, out of our original six planted. They were put out in a mini-polytunnel two weeks ago, but they're still very tiny. With luck the warmer weather will encourage them.
-
If you want a few more plants I've got some spare. Still a bit small but growing well.
-
ok, the plants now have quite big seed pod things on them, i assume this is what i want
when do i pick them?
i think for the chalange we needed a number of them on a plant at a time? i have several on each plant BUT
they are not at the same stage hmmm
how is every one else getting on?
lbb
-
Post a pic-pm me your secrets and chose a recipe-you could be the lucky winner ;D
-
1-Open to UK based folk only( sorry but that`s the way it is)
2-A `decent` crop means at least 8 good fruit per plant.
3- the winner/winners to divulge their secrets for the benefit of mere mortals
LBB, they look fantastic, well done. I think the rule was to have 8 fruits on a plant, not necessarily all at the same time as if you leave them too long the okra over ripen and become woody. I think they should be picked after a few days.
I have been away for a week and come home to much improvement. My largest plant is now 11.5 inches tall, with all 17 plants still healthy.
No 1 plant , "El Presidente" as he is now affectionately known, has got 3 buds on him.
Not as far along as LBB's magnificent crop but maybe a challenger.
-
I have only three plants left and can only see a few buds so I am no threat to Cleo.
So LBB and mickb go,go, go.
-
Hang on a minute there!!!! I am not much online cos I am home computerless till tomorrow but my Okra is doing pretty good..not 8 to a plant but how about 5 . We are hanging in stillXX Jeannine
-
Go,go Jeannine too, it is like those old cowboy film,you must go on without me, I'll be okay off into the sunset,
Glad to see you back.
-
still no fruit but the largest plant is now 20" high. That is an 8.5 inch growth in 2 weeks. Lots of buds, now eagerly awaiting the first flowers.
Mick B
-
Blasted things died - considering all the care they got you would think they would have tried a bit harder!
-
My leading effort has one fruit about 2" long with flower no 2 just finished and lots of buds.
-
YOU ALL HAVE FRUIT???? Mine are barely big enough to be called a plant! :'(
And I was so looking forward to a delicious okra gumbo from Cleo! ;D
-
Mine are still only 8 inches tall with a couple of unopened buds. :-[
-
I can't be bothered with all the kerfuffle (such a lovely word, wonder if I spelt it correctly) of posting a photo on another site and linking it so I have put some in my gallery.
The later photo shows the temperature in the conservatory as 28 and the temp in the growbag as 35. You can see the growbag is permanently positioned on a propogation tray to keep the temp up.
The plants between the okra are cape gooseberries, they seem to be growing now as well.
And there are some Cayenne chillies behind and to the right.
-
2
(http://downtheplot.com/images/ocra_2_pod.jpg)
(http://downtheplot.com/images/ocra_july.jpg)
-
Hi,everyone, you know sometimes people can grow some plants from seed very well but cannot for the life of them grow certain things,ie OKRA , well im the other way round, i can grow OKRA but for the life of me i can not grow good caulis,there are a few points to growing okra which are very usefull to know but be prepared to throw away the rule book when trying, regards all, Organicandy
-
Hi,everyone, you know sometimes people can grow some plants from seed very well but cannot for the life of them grow certain things,ie OKRA , well im the other way round, i can grow OKRA but for the life of me i can not grow good caulis,there are a few points to growing okra which are very usefull to know but be prepared to throw away the rule book when trying, regards all, Organicandy
What a Tease you are, Candy! C'mon then.....WOT'S YER SECRET? ::)
I reckon it's all down to Location, Location, Location - and you're posting from your lottie in the Bahamas ;D
-
I wish i was posting from the bahamas, im acctualy posting from sunny west yorkshire honestly, now get ready to throw away the rule book/
just one lesson at a time im afraid
lesson 1, sheep s*it in a hessian sack.
lesson 2 on request lol regards Andy
-
I assume you make an aqueous solution of the nuts, and apply that to the plants.
-
Hi, you assume correctly, put the sheep droppings in a hessian type sack and submerse in a water butt/ use the liquid feed at 50/50 parts clean water and feed twice a week until fruits start to develop, then feed every other day until harvest, also important to remember is to slightly shade your greenhouse roof, this is where you throw away the rule book, keep greenhouse doors and windows closed at all times so has not let any heat escape, (alternatively you can make a greenhouse in a greenhouse ) by which i mean er recting a separate part of your greenhouse using a simple frame with a pull down plastic/ polythene enclosure which you can keep closed and hot all the time, this works well because you can have the doors and windows open if you want to grow toms in the rest of your greenhouse, pollinate with a very soft brush and mist once a day with greenhouse temperature water(this is crucial to success) .regards Andy
-
hi andy do you have any pics of your okra?
lbb
-
Hi,sorry i dont have any pics has ive dedicated all my greenhouse to toms and peppers this year(plus 1000 Dahlias) truth is i cant stand Okra, i only ever grew it for familly and friends,
this method was passed down to me by my grandfather who grew Okra many years before us newer gardeners ever heard of it
-
I'm growing mine coz i found this challenge before i had started growing much, mine are growing so well
we have all decided we dont like the stuff though
do you know when they stop fruiting
lbb
-
Hi llb, if you pick fruits 3 to 5 days after flower falls you should get fruit untill the first frost ,obviously depending on how warm you can keep your greenhouse, ps dont forget to feed every other day, but by the sounds of it your doing pretty good yourself, hats off to you cos theyre not easy to grow, its a lot of work for something that tastes as bad has it does lol, regards Andy
-
I assume you make an aqueous solution of the nuts, and apply that to the plants.
AARGH!!! I hate euphemisms! I hadn't spotted that one.
-
Hi llb, if you pick fruits 3 to 5 days after flower falls you should get fruit untill the first frost ,obviously depending on how warm you can keep your greenhouse,
sooo if where they are is the same temp all year herefore no frost how long then?
hmm i better feed them too
lbb
-
Is red ocra supposed to have red pods?
-
First flower seems about to bud any day now, it is still wrapped quite tightly. 5 visible buds.
23.5 inches tall.
Read the info on using Shpsht as manure and gave it a try with some well rotted horsesht, I have been banned from the house as for some reason, her indoors was not pleased with a conservatory full of flies, smelling like a farmyard.
No sense of the challenge.
Mick B
-
I sowed alot of seeds but only 5-6 have grown. Am awaiting some fruit now, think I best feed them too.
-
I have had 7 flowers today and hope they have been fertilised by the bees etc, unfortunately I never saw them actually wide open so don't know if they have been pollinated. Wait and see I suppose.
The last 2 flowers, one bore fruit so I have a baby okra, hopefully it continues to grow, the other shrivelled up and fell off, a bit like flower drop on a Chilli.
Here's to the Bhindi Bhaji.
This is the furthest I have ever managed to get okra to grow. Hurrah!!!
Mick B
-
I've finally got a flower bud. :D
The plant is only a foot tall, but I've got a bud.
(http://www.davethewave.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/allotment/okra-flower-bud.jpg)
-
My 3rd harvest so far...
(http://downtheplot.com/images/ocra_fingers.jpg)
...and I'm now up to 4 pods.
(http://downtheplot.com/images/ocra_4_pod.jpg)
-
My largest plant is just shedding its 7th bud,
1 withered and died
2 has been eaten
3 is in the fridge awaiting partners with 7 others from other plants
4, 5, 6 still on the plant
7 waiting for the flower to drop
8, 9 10, 11, 12 & 13 all visible
of the other plants I have 17 fruits maturing and many flowers and buds visible
I will try and post a photo in my gallery in a few minutes
Mick B
-
I would post an image but get the message
Warning Gallery path is not writable! /home/danall/public_html/smf/gallery/
If anyone knows how to clear this eror message then I would be grateful
-
OK. I've got one plant producing its 10th pod, one plant on the 9th pod and the rest between 6 and 8 pods. This is in the polytunnel.
Outside some are on the 3rd with a few producing pod no 2. Some struggling to stay alive. The pods outside seem to turn red while the ones under cover remain pale green.
-
Hello everyone just popping in to say hi on an invite from Alishka thanks.
Well congrates on all the successes and commiserations on all the losses.
I was checking out this topic for awhile now even before joining A4A, to basically learn as much tips as possible cause next year i want to SUCCEED at growing okras (we spell it ochro). I love growing tropical veg but pigheadedly do so as if I'm still in the west indies and so generally fail with the those i so desperately want to succeed at ::). Ah well you live and learn ;).
Here is a recipe to try:
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/thifasmom/spicyokramelee.jpg)
Sarinas Spicy Ochro Melee
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsps. vegetable oil
3 cloves, garlic minced
1 tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
10 okra, cut into 3/4″ disks
1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (more or less, to taste)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Saute garlic, ginger, and pepper over medium heat until garlic turns golden.
2. Add tomato and cook for a minute.
3. Add ochro and mix well.
4. Simmer, covered, for 6 or 7 minutes.
5. Stir in salt.
6. Just before serving sprinkle with cilantro/ coriander (chadon beni).
P.S. The scotch bonnet is a chili in its own right, so if you don't want it hot then cook with the pepper whole so as to infuse its flavour with little too no heat, it might be a good idea to remove the seeds if you do chop it up.
The trick with ochro in dishes like this is to not cook for too long as the longer it cooks the more slimy it gets. there are some who like to eat it raw off the plant but :-X that's pushing it for me. :-\
-
Hey! Pleased you found your way here and that okra dish looks droolingly good :-*.....thing is, after my late sowing start, stuff is starting to produce in super-abundance - but what am I going to do tomorrow?....gonna get myself round to Yasmine and her shop - and buy okra. Think I'm going to chicken out on the Scotch Bonnet tho & use some of my Apache chillis, but otherwise I'll follow your recipe. Many thanks 8)
PS Two of our peeps here have been posting S.A. recipes in the Recipe Section...you wouldn't have one for goat curry would you? We've got a great market here in Brum & I'd love to have a recipe for it.
Now then - Eristic and Mick....don't forget we only believe pics when they're pics of the fruits on the plant...not that we're sceptical, or envious, or anything like that, mind.. ::)
-
???
Ahh but is it goat curry or curried goat? Would like the recipe anyway if anyone has it!
;)
-
All the ladies at church call it curry goat, but I've never asked for the exact recipe. It's basically curried mutton neck.
-
we only believe pics when they're pics of the fruits on the plant.
But as has been discussed before, the pods have to be harvested as soon as they are ready not leaving them all on to go tough. I will try to get an updated photo tomorrow but you would really need to look at the plants and turn them round to count the cut pod stalks.
-
All the ladies at church call it curry goat, but I've never asked for the exact recipe. It's basically curried mutton neck.
Yeah its called curry goat, but mutton is sheep, and we only use goat for that dish usually the animal is about a year old. I'm looking for a recipe for you as I've been a vegan for the last 11 years and not sure I can reproduce from memory accurately in type, but put all the ingredients in front me and I'll cook it fine from rote ;)
-
Well I made it.
My best plant got to 9 edible fruit and then all the growing tip withered and died, as did the tips on 5 others which had reached 6 and 7 fruits. I think I let them dry out a bit too much on the one summer day of the year and the temperature in the conservatory, direct sunlight, heating from underneath with the propagator and the lack of water all conspired together to kill off the growing tip.
Anyway this is the first year I have managed to get Clemson's Spineless to harvest more than one fruit. I had about 5 generous helpings of bhindi bhaji from 12 plants. Not what I would call a glut but never the less a reasonable crop.
Unfortunately if you add up the seed pack the 4 growbags and the fertiliser and all the electricity for the propagators I reckon the price was nearer to truffles!!!!
Thanks for all the advice, I might even try again.
-
Yeah its called curry goat, but mutton is sheep, and we only use goat for that dish usually the animal is about a year old. I'm looking for a recipe for you as I've been a vegan for the last 11 years and not sure I can reproduce from memory accurately in type, but put all the ingredients in front me and I'll cook it fine from rote ;)
They've obviously compromised with what's available in the UK. The stuff's sometimes called 'goat mutton', and I think it's from the older animals. It has a lot more taste than lamb, but my sister used to keep goats, and I do prefer it.
-
Yeah its called curry goat, but mutton is sheep, and we only use goat for that dish usually the animal is about a year old. I'm looking for a recipe for you as I've been a vegan for the last 11 years and not sure I can reproduce from memory accurately in type, but put all the ingredients in front me and I'll cook it fine from rote ;)
They've obviously compromised with what's available in the UK. The stuff's sometimes called 'goat mutton', and I think it's from the older animals. It has a lot more taste than lamb, but my sister used to keep goats, and I do prefer it.
yes it is a lovely dish, its a dish that is greatly used at celebration gathering like weddings, christenings, etc. most people would then get a young kid of about 6mths - 9mnths water and feed it in and around their garden/ yard till its about a year old then the day before the event it is slaughtered, butchered and seasoned to marinate for the cooking the next day. i remember it was My sister and my responsibility to take a goat we once kept for an aunt's wedding to the nearest overgrown empty plot before school and collect it before dark in the evening.
-
Unfortunately if you add up the seed pack the 4 growbags and the fertiliser and all the electricity for the propagators I reckon the price was nearer to truffles!!!!
But well done ;D
It`s like the film `They shoot horses`-always a twist. You did not bring them to be cooked so I cannot award the ultimate prize-but well done anyway.
The cleo challenge is now finished for okra.
Yard long beans anyone?
-
Unfortunately if you add up the seed pack the 4 growbags and the fertiliser and all the electricity for the propagators I reckon the price was nearer to truffles!!!!
But well done ;D
It`s like the film `They shoot horses`-always a twist. You did not bring them to be cooked so I cannot award the ultimate prize-but well done anyway.
The cleo challenge is now finished for okra.
Yard long beans anyone?
yep I'm up for the yard long beans challenge. had lovely healthy plants at the beginning of the season, i planted them out at the beginning of June and bam!! the weather changed to really cold nights and somewhat coolish days for about 2 weeks on a trot, they suffered and died about 3 weeks after :'(. but like a moth to the flame i will try again next year for sure :D.
-
OK the rules are;
1-Open to UK based folk only( sorry but that`s the way it is)
2-A `decent` crop means at least 8 good fruit per plant.
3- the winner/winners to divulge their secrets for the benefit of mere mortals
The dubious prize?-I`ll cook them for you here. There is no pool,no accommodation and you have to put up with my tantrums when I`m cooking-but imagine your pride when the photos get posted ;D
Well, we're not going to win any prizes!
One plant survived, and has one fruit on it. Looks a nice one, mind. ;D
-
'ang on a minute there Cleo my darling, my Okra is still good.. I was waiting a while to get a picture of the best one.XX Jeannine
-
'ang on a minute there Cleo my darling, my Okra is still good.. I was waiting a while to get a picture of the best one.XX Jeannine
mine is still good as well
-
And most of my plants met all the published criteria to win the competition months ago. The plants having had a rest are now coming back to production on side shoots although as nighttime temperatures start to drop I believe their days are numbered.
-
All mine are in the great Okra heaven in the sky............ :'(
-
do you (anyone) know if okra are annual or perenial?
lbb
-
Is anybody growing them this year, I weeded mine today and they are starting to produce flowers.
-
Is anybody growing them this year, I weeded mine today and they are starting to produce flowers.
don't you tell me you are growing them successfully outside :o.
saddad has been successfull with them in his greenhouse. scroll down and you'll see i wasn't at all gracious with my response to his success ;) http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,54306.0.html (http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,54306.0.html)
they are the bane of my life, i sowed 7 got 7 transplanted 7 and 6 died the lone survivor growing tip went blind and has given me one tiny ochro the size of my pinky finger all without the flower bud even opening. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wNGXTrtW5rc/Slt1vu-mGcI/AAAAAAAABcU/Y_pCAXeugyc/s1600-h/IMG_4455.JPG (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wNGXTrtW5rc/Slt1vu-mGcI/AAAAAAAABcU/Y_pCAXeugyc/s1600-h/IMG_4455.JPG)
about 10 days ago the plant has started to bushy out and is full of flower buds, so its a wait and see what happens.