Growing Okra.

Both adored and shunned, okra gets a bad reputation because of its’ slime. However, cooking fast, at high heat; oven roasting, frying or grilling, serves up slime free okra. Gumbo and pickled okra are addictive culinary treats enjoyed by many. Okra provides a steady harvest for months if kept picked and watered. This allows you to pick them in their prime, 2″ to 4″ inches, to can or freeze throughout the summer months. The health benefits are numerous and the hibiscus like flowers are a beautiful bonus.

Locate okra in loamy, fertile soil with full sun. Plant our heirloom okra seeds when all danger of frost has passed and soil temp is 65º to 70º. Seeds should be planted 1/2″ to 1″ deep, 12″ to 18″ apart in very wide rows, 3′ to 5′ apart. Okra plants grow very large. Keep young plants well weeded, then mulch heavily to hold moisture and keep weeds down. Water well during hot, dry periods. Drought will toughen the pods. Pick small pods about two months after planting with a downward tug. Continue nurturing, monthly fertilizing and deep watering, for a prolonged harvest. Wear gloves and long sleeves when cutting okra to avoid skin irritation.

Good companion crops are melons, cucumbers, sweet peppers, eggplant and sunflowers.