By Oluwatomi Olatoye
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Okra is a flowering plant known for its edible seed pods. It’s cultivated in warm and tropical climates, such as those in Africa and South Asia.Sometimes referred to as “lady’s finger,”
The first thing you must always remember or know about okra production is that it grows best only in warm season.
Okra seeds germinate and grow faster on well-drained, fertile soil. The soil’s pH should be close to neutral between 6.5 and 7.6. If the soil is not rich enough, you can use compost or organic manure to make the ground more fertile.
You can really make a lot of money planting Okra during the dry season. The major requirement during the dry season is water. You must have a well or borehole. Watering your Okra is essential.
Okra is rich in vitamin A and low in calories, which makes it a great addition to your diet. The Vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood.
Okra is rich in antioxidants that may reduce your risk of serious diseases, prevent inflammation, and contribute to overall health. Most notably, it contains polyphenols that may contribute to heart and brain health.
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 1/2 to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row. You can soak the seeds overnight in water to help speed up germination.
Okra plants are tall, so space out the rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
The first harvest will be ready about 2 months after planting.
Harvest the okra when it’s about 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest it every other day.
The more okra you plant the more okra fruits you harvest.
