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Okra is becoming more and more popular as more gardeners find out how much they enjoy this charming cousin of hibiscus. A warm temperature is necessary for okra growth, but you may shorten the plant's typical lengthy season by three weeks or more if you use seedlings. Okra seedlings may be planted in the garden or placed in big pots as soon as the hot season starts, provided they are treated carefully, like breakable eggs.
When cut, the pods release a sticky liquid that is perfect for adding thickness to curries and stews. In addition, they can be sautéed, steamed as a side dish or served whole in stir-fries. The pods are best harvested when they are fresh and delicate, and they have a mild taste.
Lady Finger Planting Guide
Here's how you can plant lady fingers in your home garden:
Planting Time
Wait until the weather is consistently warm, which is around two weeks after your last anticipated winter date, before planting okra outside. Okra enjoys temperatures in the upper 80s during the day and about 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings.
Planting Site
Okra requires rich, moist, well-drained soil and a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of sunshine every day.
Spacing And Depth
Sow the seeds at a depth of one inch. Either dig holes in the ground or use a trowel to create a furrow. One seed per hole is the maximum amount that should be used, as this will result in crowded, thin plants with few fruits. Furthermore, you run the danger of hurting both when you remove the excess seed if both sprout. Instead, space seeds 4–8 inches apart. Make rows three feet apart.
To allow the plants to branch, thin out the seedlings when they reach a height of 4 to 6 inches, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart. Instead of removing the additional seedlings from the ground, trim them with scissors at ground level.
Important Factors To Remember
Here are some important factors that you need to take care of to get the best lady finger:
Proper Light
Planting your okra in full light will result in the strongest plants and the largest number of pods. This entails getting at least six hours a day of direct sunlight.
Appropriate Soil
Rich, well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 that is slightly acidic are ideal for growing okra. Heavy, wet soil will not benefit the plant.
Sufficient Watering
Okra plants can withstand brief periods of drought after they become established. If you haven't gotten any rain, water thoroughly once a week for optimal results. Young plants should have evenly moistened soil but not saturated soil. For maximum yield, okra needs one inch of water every week.
Ideal Temperature
In hot weather conditions where many other crops wither, okra is an essential food. The seed pods are smaller but still rather tasty in colder areas. Okra is a heat-loving plant. When the temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they get going, and when it rises over 90 degrees, they get much stronger. They grow wonderfully well in wet settings, but they also do well in drier ones.
Fertiliser
You won't need extra fertiliser or worry about a fertiliser schedule if you grow okra in soil that is rich in organic matter (unless you want the plants to provide a second harvest). Additional fuel can be added by side-treating with composted manure or feeding the leaves with a fish or seaweed fertiliser.
Pollination
Since okra plants self-pollinate, you only need one plant to produce pods. Insects that pollinate plants are not necessary for okra to bear fruit.
