Okra usually grows best in warm weather climates, but you can also grow it in the spring/summer as well! Okra is a healthy vegetable that's packed with vitamin A and therefore adds a dose of health to any meal. Today we'll show you how to grow okra from seeds with our easy to follow gardening guide.
How to Grow Okra
Planting Okra:
- Start okra seeds indoors in peat pots 3-4 weeks before the last frost date in spring.
- Keep the pots in full sunlight during this time.
- Once the soil temperature reaches 65-70F, you can transplant your okra seedlings outdoors.
- You can speed up the seedlings' growth by soaking the seeds in tepid water overnight.
- Plant your okra seedlings in fertile, well-drained soil and choose a spot with full sunlight.
- Plant 1/2 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart.
- Space the rows 3-4 feet apart as okra plants can grow to be quite tall.
Caring for Okra Plants:
- Mulch heavily and pick any weeds from around their area, especially when they are young.
- The layer of mulch should be about 4-8 inches high.
- Apply a liquid fertilizer once a month.
- Once seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin them so that they are 10-18 inches apart.
- Keep the plants watered well during the summer months, making sure they get at least 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting Okra:
- Two months after planting your okra, your first harvest should be ready.
- Harvest okra every other day, once it is about 2-3 inches long.
- Use a knife to cut the stems just above the cap.
- When cutting okra, you should always wear gloves as most varieties are covered in tiny spines.
Happy Planting!
