Ahh, the American Red Cockroach, the companion of the southern gardener. \u00a0 Yes, we must face the truth if we want to garden in the sun belt. \u00a0The roaches are with you. \u00a0I have come a long way on roaches. \u00a0I used to scream and run in fear and disgust, but now I strive to observe\u00a0the humble, successful roach with some measure of respect. \u00a0They are a unique animal, and I am sure I will share more on their amazing attributes in a future post, but for now, just know that, the potting soil was full of roaches.<\/strong><\/p>\n So, I tried to fill the pots with a scoop as to avoid diving my hands into a bagged roach nest (the plastic potting soil bag). \u00a0But ahhhh that scoop was breaking my wrist and the best way to fill pots is to use your hands, but dear reader, I could feel your encouragement, and so feigning courage and blocking\u00a0the image of roaches scurrying up my arm, I scooped that soil by hand. \u00a0Turns out there was only one roach.<\/p>\n Did I run?<\/p>\n No<\/p>\n Did I scream?<\/p>\n No<\/p>\n I just scooted her out of the bag and wished her well as she skittered under the potting bench. \u00a0Goodbye fair roach, until we meet again.<\/p>\n And the reward for all this personal strength I summoned in facing the roach: \u00a0These amazing okra seeds, dried to beautiful seed ripeness by drying on the stalk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This post is famous. \u00a0See the seeds above grown and fruited here<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.okragardensupply.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/OkraSeedInPod-225x300.jpeg\")
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