Okra is a estrus - loving craw that flourishes under full sun . It is anexcellent source of vitamin Aand low in kilogram calorie , which do it a good add-on to your vegetable garden . There are numerous way you could enjoy the vegetable . Like refreshful , pickled , or fried - they all savor groovy !
Okra is also abeautiful works that adds color and sake to the veg garden , with hibiscus - corresponding blooms and attractive lobed leaves . So , if you are looking for a versatile , nutritious veggie to bestow to your garden , learn how to raise okra !
You Will Need
Tools you need to grow okra
Growing okra postulate basic horticulture equipment .
Step 1: Choose a Variety
Exploring okra varieties
There are numerousokra varietiesto choose from , depending on the size of the vegetable and the superlative of the plant life .
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Characteristics
Plant Height
' Burgundy '
Striking blood-red pod , cosmetic , 3 to 5 base tall
3 to 5 feet
' Clemson Spineless '
Thorn - free , palmate green leaves and cream flower with deep red center
4 feet
' Cajun Delight '
Dark green , invertebrate cod
About 4 foundation
' Blondy '
Dwarf variety
grow up to 3 foot tall
Step 2: Select a Spot
Okra needs ample sunshine
Okra requires full sun , at least six hour of day-by-day sunlight , to flourish .
Remove all the careen and debris from the footing and scan the soil until it is smooth .
Step 3: Plant the Seeds
Space okra seeds 12 to 18 inches apart
Before planting , soak the seminal fluid overnight in tepid H2O or for two hours in warm water . The soaking assist to speed up germination .
Direct Sowing
Starting Seeds Indoor
instead , you canstart the seeded player indoors three to four weeks before the last hoarfrost date , especially if you endure in the northern regions with poor summertime .
Step 4: Look After the Plants
Use a fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio
Okra plants thrive in nutrient - rich soil and require reproducible watering to buckle under a healthy crop .
Fertilizing
When fertilise okra , use a balancedvegetable garden fertiliser with a 10 - 10 - 10 ratio . you’re able to also use compost or aged manure to feed your plant life . About ½ pound of ripened manure or compost per 25 feet of course should furnish adequate nutrients .
Watering
Okra apprise even lachrymation for optimal growing , so offer your plants with an inch of water per hebdomad .
Mulching
To deter weed and maintain moisture , utilize a 4 to 8 - column inch thicklayer of mulch , like compost or well - moulder manure .
Pruning
When the plant is about 2 feet tall , twinge the shoot tip to advance more side shoots to develop .
Step 5: Harvest Okra
Don’t pull okra, cut the stem
Before harvesting okra , put on gloves and wear a full - sleeved top . Okra has hairy leaves , and most potpourri have lilliputian spines on the seedpod , which can cause peel discomfort .
Step 6: Storing Okra
Blanching and freezing
Storing okra properly is essential to maintain its gall and nutritional time value .
Store in the Refrigerator
Blanch and Freeze the Pods
For longer - term entrepot , you may blench and then stop dead the pod .
Consume within 12 month to enjoy optimal nutritional time value .
Okurrr ( a)!They produce best in strong status and require minimal care to give rise an teemingness of crops . depend on your location , sow in seeds directly or start them indoors . Space the ejaculate or seedlings correctly to provide them with plenty of space to grow . Water and feed timely and harvest once the pod are easy and tender ! Share it with your friends and grow some gumbo dearest .
