Okra Crop Management

Okra or okro, known in many English-speaking countries as ladies’ fingers or ochro, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible green seed pods.

Turning the soil into the fall or early spring will give crop residues before it is decompose before okra is planted. Early soil preparation also allowed for many weed seeds to germinate.

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.

Planting and spacing Sow okra seeds ½ to 1 inch deep set 6 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Thin successful seedlings from 12 to 18 inches apart.