Growing okra in your garden doesn’t have to be challenging, especially if you’re working with raised beds or containers. In an instructive video by S&K Greenhouse, viewers are taken through the comprehensive journey of cultivating okra from the initial seed planting to the joyous moment of harvest. This article summarizes key insights and instructions from the video, making it easier for gardening enthusiasts to achieve their okra-growing aspirations.
Table of Contents
How to Grow Okra in Raised Beds or Containers
Starting with the Basics
Okra is an ideal plant for raised beds or containers due to its modest space requirements and preference for loose, rich soil. The plants can soar up to four to five feet tall and thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of sun daily.
An interesting tip offered in the video is the importance of nitrogen for the plants, which is why a layer of rich organic compost is recommended before planting the seeds. Throughout the growing season, a fish emulsion fertilizer, like Neptune’s Harvest, can provide immediate and organic nutrient support.
Okra (latin Abelmoschus esculentus)
Planting and Soil Preparation
The tutorial begins in mid-May, after the last frost, with soil preparation. A hoe is used to level the soil and create a three to four-inch deep row along the length of an eight-foot bed. The choice of compost—whether it’s stout ollie, cow manure, or mushroom compost—is highlighted as crucial for enriching the planting row before the seeds are distributed every few inches.
Despite the initial close placement, okra seeds eventually need to be thinned out to a spacing of 10 to 12 inches apart to ensure optimal growth.
Lady Finger Plant (Okra)
Watering and Care
Given okra’s natural resilience in dry, arid climates, the watering regimen differs when grown in raised beds due to quicker soil drainage. Daily watering becomes essential to prevent the young plants from drying out, especially in the crucial germination stage. The video emphasizes the delicate balance of keeping the soil moist without causing root rot, a common issue when overwatering.
Thinning and Spacing
As the okra plants begin to sprout, the importance of thinning is discussed. Smaller plants may need to be removed to allow adequate space for the remaining ones, ideally leaving about a foot of space between each plant.
This process, though seemingly painful for the gardener, ensures that the okra plants have enough room to grow healthy and strong.
Okra, aka Lady Fingers, is a vegetable that you can grow on your south-facing balcony to add a tangy flavor to your meals
Pollination, Harvesting, and Final Thoughts
Okra flowers, known for their beauty, are self-pollinating but still attract pollinators. The transition from flower to pod happens quickly, and the video advises harvesting the pods when they are small, about three or four inches long, to avoid toughness and sliminess.
An example of a too-long pod is shown as a cautionary tale against delayed harvesting.
In conclusion, growing okra in raised beds or containers is a rewarding endeavor that requires attention to detail, from soil preparation and planting to regular watering and careful harvesting. By following the guidance provided by S&K Greenhouse, gardeners can look forward to a bountiful okra harvest.
Credits
This content is based on a video by S&K Greenhouse.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.