Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

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07 Nov 09 Peddo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sadia, do not pick yellowish okra, wait a bit longer for the greenish hue. Prakash, throw away any okra that you put ant killer on, what were you thinking? It is poison! Stop ants with a little spray of garlic. Easy to make, crush garlic, add olive oil and water. Dmitri, hey, these growing tips are answers to questions, you ask...you get an answer. How far apart? 30cm should do it.
02 Dec 10 Sam (Australia - arid climate)
Even if you're not growing organic, it is absolutely life-and-death important to only use the right chemicals and only use them EXACTLY as instructed on the packet. It is illegal to do otherwise, and for good reason! Farmers are required to undergo training to legally use things that home gardeners can buy off-the-shelf. Do not be fooled into thinking that because it came from the supermarket it's safe! (The same even applies to some organic controls.) Ant dust intended for on-ground application could stay on the plant and very toxic for a very long time, whereas a chemical intended for use on EDIBLE plants would be less toxic and break down faster or wash off cleanly.

Even if you're not growing organic, it is absolutely life-and-death important to only use the right chemicals and only use them EXACTLY as instructed on the packet. It is illegal to do otherwise, and for good reason! Farmers are required to undergo training to legally use things that home gardeners can buy off-the-shelf. Do not be fooled into thinking that because it came from the supermarket it's safe! (The same even applies to some organic controls.) Ant dust intended for on-ground application could stay on the plant and very toxic for a very long time, whereas a chemical intended for use on EDIBLE plants would be less toxic and break down faster or wash off cleanly.

- Sam

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