Okra

Over the years, I’ve learned that growing okra successfully hinges on two key things: heat and sunlight. This warm-season crop thrives when planted at the right time in the right spot. Rushing it into cold soil or placing it in less-than-ideal conditions will almost always lead to disappointing results. Here’s how I make sure my…

Okra is most successfully grown in regions with long, hot summers, typically in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, where the growing season provides the warmth okra craves. Areas such as the southern United States (including states like Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia), parts of Africa, India, the Middle East, and some regions of the Mediterranean are…

I’ve grown okra in a range of climates–Massachusetts, Iowa, Florida, and California. I’ve learned that temperature isn’t the only environmental factor that matters—day length plays a surprisingly important role in how well okra flowers and sets pods. Understanding okra’s photoperiod response can help you fine-tune your planting schedule and grow healthier, more productive plants, especially…

Okra needs attention. Consistent, thoughtful care throughout the season is what sets healthy, productive okra plants apart from the rest. Over the yeats, I’ve grown in mounded beds, in-ground beds, raised beds, and containers. I’ve discovered a few reliable techniques that have helped me get steady yields even in challenging weather conditions. Below are the…