WHEN TO PLANT OKRA

• You can start okra seeds indoors in peat pots under full light 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. 
• In warmer areas, you can also start okra directly in your garden 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date as long as you cover the plants with a cold frame or grow tunnel until the weather warms up fully. Make sure that the covering is 2 to 3 feet tall so that the plants have room to grow.
• If you do not start your okra plants early, wait until there is stable, warm weather. You can plant okra in the garden when the soil has warmed to about 65° or 70°F—the warmer, the better.

CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE

• As a warm-weather crop, okra appreciates full sun.
• Okra is adaptable and will grow in most soils, though it performs best in well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
• Soil should ideally be on the acidic side, with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0.

HOW TO PLANT OKRA

• If you are planting okra transplants, be sure to space them 1 to 2 feet apart to give them ample room to grow.
• Plant okra seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row. You can soak the seeds overnight in tepid water to help speed up germination.
• Okra plants are tall, so space out the rows 3 to 4 feet apart.