Question: My okra roots are all full of knots. What caused them?

Answer: Those are root knot nematodes. They’re microscopic worms that sting the plants’ roots and interrupt normal growth processes. Plant Elbon cereal rye in your garden in October to entrap and kill the nematodes. You can plow the stubble under as the spring gardening season begins. Move your okra patch to another part of your garden, or perhaps move your plantings to a new garden entirely. There is no chemical control for the nematodes.