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Florida Gardening

Growing Okra

19 years ago

I am growing okra for the first time this year. It seem to be doing well. About 2 ft tall (I planted late) and have okra pods sprouting everywhere.

I noticed today that they have tiny "ant looking" things on them. The ants are red but not the red fire ants. These are really tiny.

Can anyone tell what this is and are they harmful? The plants look heathy and I don't want to kill the "ants" if they are just visiting and causing no harm.

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Comments (4)

AmberSky
19 years ago
If you don't see any damage, they are probably not doing any.

Very young okra are great to eat raw, in the garden. That's my favorite way.
gcmastiffs
19 years ago
Maybe aphids? They suck juices from the plants. I'd use soap spray. It is very safe and has no long-term effects.

Lisa
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treefrog_fl
19 years ago
Usually when ants are on veggies they're there "farming" aphids or another sucking insect. They collect the sweet sticky "honeydew" those bugs leave.
As Lisa mentioned, a soapy spray every now and then should control them. Don't spray them in hot sun though.
pwilli
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks, guys....I think the soap spray may be the way to go..
Paula

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