Okra is most successfully grown in regions with long, hot summers, typically in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, where the growing season provides the warmth okra craves. Areas such as the southern United States (including states like Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia), parts of Africa, India, the Middle East, and some regions of the Mediterranean are […] More
I’ve grown okra in a range of climates–Massachusetts, Iowa, Florida, and California. I’ve learned that temperature isn’t the only environmental factor that matters—day length plays a surprisingly important role in how well okra flowers and sets pods. Understanding okra’s photoperiod response can help you fine-tune your planting schedule and grow healthier, more productive plants, especially […] More
Growing okra in containers is not only possible—it’s surprisingly productive when done right. I’ve grown okra this way for years, especially when I’ve run out of room in my raised beds or want to position plants where they’ll get the most heat and sunlight. Container gardening has allowed me to grow okra on patios, decks, […] More
Okra needs attention. Consistent, thoughtful care throughout the season is what sets healthy, productive okra plants apart from the rest. Over the yeats, I’ve grown in mounded beds, in-ground beds, raised beds, and containers. I’ve discovered a few reliable techniques that have helped me get steady yields even in challenging weather conditions. Below are the […] More
Companion planting is a time-honored gardening technique that involves growing different plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. When it comes to cucumbers, selecting the right companion plants can lead to healthier vines, increased yields, and a more resilient garden ecosystem. Companion Planting Tips for Cucumbers 🌼 Marigolds Marigolds are renowned […] More
Corn Growing Problems: Lodging and How to Prevent It If you’ve ever walked out to your corn patch after a summer storm and found your tall, green stalks bent or lying flat, you’ve experienced lodging. It’s one of the most frustrating problems for home gardeners growing corn—especially after all the time and care you’ve invested. […] More
After more than three decades of growing sweet corn in various climates, I can say that choosing the right variety for your garden is the single most important decision for a successful harvest. It affects not just the flavor but how well your crop grows in your region’s soil and weather. Whether you’re planting in […] More
Sweet corn is a warm-season crop that rewards careful planning with tall, vigorous plants and full, sweet ears. As an experienced gardener with years of successful corn harvests, I’ve learned that when and where you plant sweet corn makes all the difference in your yield. Below are my tested tips, with added insights to help […] More
How to keep your corn patch thriving from seedling to harvest. Over many seasons of growing sweet corn in both raised beds and traditional garden rows, I’ve learned that consistent watering and a well-timed fertilizer schedule are key to getting big, juicy, fully developed ears. Corn is a fast grower and a heavy feeder—if you […] More
Grow full, sweet ears by getting spacing, depth, and layout just right. After many seasons growing sweet corn in home garden beds and raised plots, I’ve found that getting spacing, planting depth, and block layout right from the start is essential for a reliable harvest. Sweet corn relies on wind for pollination, so how—and where—you […] More
Having grown corn in my home garden for many seasons, I’ve learned that successful pollination is the key to producing ears filled with plump, sweet kernels. Corn is a wind-pollinated plant, and understanding how that process works can make all the difference in your harvest. The Role of Tassels and Silks Each corn plant produces […] More
After growing corn for over 30 years, I’ve found that one of the easiest ways to support a healthy corn patch is to plant good companions nearby. Choosing the right companion plants can improve pollination, deter pests, enrich the soil, and even make harvesting more convenient. On the flip side, planting the wrong neighbors can […] More
Stephen Albert