Okra

Okra is often thought of as indigenous to the Southern United States but it is grown all over the world. Clemson Spineless and Green Velvet are the main varieties and there are new red tinged varieties and hybrids. Okra loves hot weather, as long as water is available it can be grown in the hottest summers. The plants grow up to four feet tall and do not require staking. Make sure you have sufficient space. Insects, like many people are not fond of okra so they are seldom a problem.

Plant seeds about four inches apart after all danger of frost and the soil is warm. Thin plants to stand one to two feet apart. After the true leaves form mulch with Nature’s Guide Cotton Burr Compost or Nature’s Guide Organic Compost. This keeps the soil rich and maintains steady moisture levels.

Harvest the pods when they reach three to four inches in length. Production can be substantial. Keep to a regular picking schedule to maintain production.

Okra does not require a lot of fertilizer but the plants grow large and can rob the soil of nutrients. Side dress with a mixture of 2/3 Nature’s Guide Tomato and Pepper Food and 1/3 Nature’s Guide Dried Enriched Molasses to encourage growth and replenish the soil.

Okra Seed

Okra Harvest