How to Grow Okra
Okra plants are African herbs that are also widely cultivated in southern United States and the West Indies. They produce long green pods which are enjoyed as delicacies in soups and stews.
Planning the Site
Okra love heat. Find a place with full sunlight to grow your plants in. Make sure the soil is rich and well drained with temperatures of 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Optimal soil pH for growing okra ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. The site should be spacious enough to accommodate large plants because okra plants can grow very tall.
Preparing the Site
Before planting okra, mix in some well-cured manure with your soil. You can buy some seedlings to plant, but you can germinate your own if you wish. Ensure that all dangers of frost have passed before you plant your okra because they are susceptible to the cold. If the soil is less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature, the plants will quickly die.
For optimal growth, plant your seeds with ample space between each of them. Ideally, the seeds should be planted 1 inch deep in ridges 12 to 24 inches apart. The soil where you have planted your okra should be well cared to ensure that usage of chemical control for weeds would not be necessary.
Required Materials
Materials needed for growing okra include well-cured manure, organic fertilizer such as bonemeal, and standard gardening tools.
Watering Requirements
Okra plants should be provided with at least an inch of water per week. Okra plants might love the heat but they need adequate soil moisture to thrive.
Nutrients Required
Okra requires nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, various trace elements, vitamins and minerals.
Seasons Suitable
Summer is best for growing okra because it loves the heat.
Expectations / Results
If you had cultivated your okra plants accordingly, they can grow up to 6-8 feet in height. Okra pods should be harvested when they are still tender and young because they quickly become hard and dry. These pods are three to four inches in length and should be gathered as often as every other day to induce flowering.