If this crop is not that familiar to you, this article will be perfect for you. Let us begin by knowing the benefits of ladies’ fingers.
What’s special about ladies’ fingers?
Ladies’ fingers, also known as okra, is a warm-season vegetable commonly known as gumbo. Minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber are all abundant in it. It has a sticky liquid within that is used to thicken sauces. Because of its great nutritional content, it is considered a vital crop in many nations. People can also use many other components of the plant, including fresh leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems, and seeds.
Okra has a moderate flavor and a distinct texture, as well as a peach-like fuzz on the outside. Small, edible seeds are contained within the pod. Growing okra is very easy and you can do it if you are a garden beginner. With that, let me equip you with the way on how to grow okra!
Steps in Planting Okra
1. Decide on how you’re going to start your seedlings.
It’s easier to plant okra in your garden patch rather than beginning it inside if you reside somewhere with warmer summers and moderate winters. Plant the okra seeds in early spring, after the last frost of the year, when the nighttime temperature does not go below 55 degrees.
If you reside somewhere where it doesn’t happen until late spring or early summer, then it is preferable to start your seedlings inside 2-3 weeks prior to the latest frost date. You’ll move the seedlings to your garden area after they’re strong and the weather warms up.
2. Select the sunniest location in your garden.
Okra grows in broad, hot sunlight. If you try to plant it in a shaded location, it will yield very little fruit, if it survives at all. Okra should be grown in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Don’t worry about it becoming too hot; okra blooms at its optimum during the summer, when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Adjust the pH of the soil.
Okra grows best on soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. Check the pH level of your soil to see if it’s in the right range. To raise the pH of the soil, work in limestone or bone meal. If you don’t want to use severe means to modify the pH of your soil, simply work in lots of compost, which will bring the pH level closer to neutral, or 7.
4. Nutrients should be added to the soil.
Okra grows on nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Compost, bagged organic fertilizer, or 4-6-6 delayed release fertilizer can all help to improve your soil. In any case, till the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30.5 cm) and evenly spread 4 inches (10.2 cm) of compost or fertilizer using a garden rake.
5. Plant the seedlings or sow the seeds.
It’s time to grow okra in your garden as the weather warms up. Sow your seeds 4 inches (10.2 cm) apart, at a depth of 12 inch (1.3 cm). If you started your seeds inside, be gentle with the seedlings and space them 1-foot (0.3 m) apart in 3-foot (0.9 m) rows. Dig a hole big enough to contain the root balls and pat the dirt around them carefully.
Tips in Planting Okra
- Only plant in places with warm day and evening temperatures during the summer for a fruitful yield.
- Select a spot in full sun with healthy soil and plenty of space.
- Ensure that the soil is loose enough to support big roots.
- Water and weed on a regular basis.
- Pull pods off or use a scissor to harvest
- Beetles, corn earworms, aphids, root-knot nematodes, and fungus are examples of pests and illnesses.
- Plant seeds in a peat seed starter and keep them well hydrated to start seeds inside.
- To keep them warm throughout the germination phase, place them in a warm, sunny room or use grow lamps. Maintain a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When the weather warms up and it’s time to transplant the seedlings, repeat the methods you used to grow okra from seed outside.
- Neglecting to add nutrients to the soil may result in okra plants that don’t produce a lot of fruit.
- You can soak your seeds overnight the night before planting, or freeze them to crack the shells, to speed up germination. When transplanting seedlings, be careful not to break their delicate taproots. The seedlings will not grow if they are crushed.
That’s it! I hope that this simple guide helped and equipped you to start growing okra!
If you are looking to start your garden, check out the links in the description for our recommended books and audiobooks.
Don’t forget to download the free ebook too.
Backyard Gardening Book (paperback)
Backyard Gardening Book (audiobook)
Urban Gardening Book (paperback)
Urban Gardening Book (audiobook)