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It is most commonly direct seeded, and spacing varies with the mature size of the okra plant. Seeding is generally done in late spring to summer with common seeding dates of late April through July in West Tennessee and May through July in East Tennessee.
What is the best month to plant okra?
For the best yields, plant okra in the spring 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. For a good fall crop, plant at least 3 months before the first fall frost. Plant the okra seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in the row (Fig.
What can you not plant near okra?
This includes cucumbers, melons, eggplant, and sweet or hot peppers. Cucumbers love water and rich soil, as does okra, so these will do well side by side. Don’t plant them too close, as cucumbers vines spread and also need a large amount of sun to ripen.
What is the planting date of okra?
Okra was sown at the end of July, in mid-August and early September as a late-season crop in 1999 and at the end of May, in early June and at the end of June as an early-season crop in 2000.
What can I plant now in Tennessee?
Fall Planting of Cool-Season Vegetables Examples of cool-season vegetables that work for planting in this time frame in Tennessee are broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, collards, pickling cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, Irish potatoes, icicle radishes and spinach.
How cold can okra tolerate?
Okra is very sensitive to cold; the yield decreases with temperatures less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, okra has a short season, which permits it to be grown almost anywhere in the United States. The plant will grow in any warm, well-drained soil and needs a place in full sun.
Do okra plants come back every year?
When planting okra in more temperate climates, this perennial plant becomes an annual and must be replanted each year. Okra seeds can be planted in 1” deep hills that are about 18-24” apart. As they begin to grow, thin out the stragglers so the sturdier ones can thrive.
Can corn and okra be planted together?
The plant thrives in warm soil. Okra is a tall plant with some varieties exceeding six feet tall at maturity. To avoid shading out other crops, plant okra at the north end of the garden, near other tall plants such as corn. Plant seedlings approximately one foot apart in rows spaced two to three feet apart.
How many okra plants do I need?
Because of the long growing season and hearty production, four or five plants usually produce enough okra for most families. More plants may be needed, though, to can or freeze okra for use during the winter.
Do you stake okra plants?
Provide Support for Extra Tall Okra Plants The okra pods tend to grow up as the plant grows, so it can get top-heavy once it gets above six feet in height. A stake or some type of support may be needed if the plant starts to lean over.
What is the planting distance for okra?
Planting. Okra can be established by sowing seeds directly into the garden. To enhance germination, soak okra seeds in water for several hours or overnight before sowing. Space rows 3-feet apart; sow seeds 1-inch deep and 4- to 6-inches apart within the row.
When can I transplant okra seedlings?
When they are several inches high and the outdoor soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit with no frost on the horizon, you can transplant the seedlings either outdoors or into a container.
What can you plant in April in Tennessee?
Late March/Early April Broccoli. Cabbage. Kale. Parsnip. Peas. Spinach.
When should I plant tomatoes in Tennessee?
Tomatoes are highly sensitive to frost, so be sure to wait until the last freeze of the season is behind you before you plant them outdoors. Late April is usually safe to plant tomatoes in Tennessee, but you can wait well into June.
What can you plant in May in Tennessee?
Planting Dates for Fall Crop Based on Frost Dates Start Seeds Indoors by Start Seeds Outdoors by Tomatoes May 20 N/A Turnips N/A Sep 18 Watermelons N/A Jun 30.
Are coffee grounds good for okra plants?
Coffee grounds are a suitable organic amendment for growing okra when used directly on the soil or in composted materials. Coffee ground help improve soil structure, or tilth, and augment soil nutrient density when used in combination with other organic amendments.
How do you make okra produce more?
Using organic fertilizer will help boost pod production. Adding compost around the base of the plant mid-season will give it a boost so it keeps producing. Especially mid-way through the season, when the okra plants are 18″ – 24″ tall, they will benefit from nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer.
How hot is too hot for okra?
A drought-tolerant vegetable, okra grows best in the heat of the summer and withstands soil temperatures above 70 degrees.
Is Epsom salt good for okra?
Epsom salts are made out of sulfur and magnesium, two ingredients from which okra can benefit. However, care needs to be taken when it comes to applying Epsom salt for okra, since it can easily kill okra plants when overapplied. Use a general fertilizer instead of applying Epsom salt for okra.
What fertilizer is best for okra?
Okra should be sidedressed with 3 to 6 pounds of calcium nitrate (15. 5-0-0) per 1,000 square feet or 1 to 2 pounds per 100 feet of row. Sidedressing should occur at 3 to 4 weeks after planting and again at 6 to 8 weeks after planting.
When should okra be pruned?
Pruning should be done 80 to 100 days before the first anticipated fall frost is anticipated allowing the plants time to produce additional pods.
